Sports analyst Bennett Durando voices doubt about the likelihood of the Denver Nuggets acquiring superstar forward Kevin Durant.
While acknowledging the appeal of pairing Durant with Nikola Jokic, Durando suggests that such a blockbuster move remains highly improbable.
Still, he outlines a few hypothetical trade frameworks that could be explored if Durant were to express a strong desire to join forces with Jokic in Denver.
The scenarios presented would each involve the Nuggets parting with key members of their current core.
One option centers on sending Jamal Murray to Phoenix, while another involves a package that includes both Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun.
A third possibility combines Aaron Gordon and Porter in the outgoing group.
Each of these proposed trades would necessitate the involvement of a third team, primarily due to the financial constraints both franchises face.
The NBA’s salary-matching rules mean neither Denver nor Phoenix can absorb more salary than it sends out, making a direct two-team deal unworkable under the current cap structure.
Despite the creative trade ideas, Durando makes it clear that a Durant-to-Denver scenario remains firmly in the realm of speculation and would hinge on several unlikely developments, starting with Durant’s desire to leave Phoenix for the 2023 NBA champions.
Nuggets Notes: Porter, GM Candidates, Durant, Repeater Tax https://t.co/OTTOlBvfB7 pic.twitter.com/cjbf7QsWlq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 8, 2025
