Report: Nuggets eyeing LaVine, others for offensive upgrades
The Denver Nuggets are looking to make a splash.
The franchise is looking for a player that can offer help on the offensive end, holding a "significant" focus on Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, sources told The Athletic's Tony Jones and Sam Amick.
The Nuggets have also expressed interest or had preliminary trade talks regarding Jordan Poole and Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards, Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz, Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets, and De'Andre Hunter of the Atlanta Hawks.
LaVine is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season for the Bulls. Chicago has reportedly been looking to trade LaVine since last season and is still open to moving the 29-year-old.
The 11-year veteran has two years left on his contract, including a $48.9-million player option for the 2026-27 campaign.
Denver's offense remains in the top 10 but has had inconsistent scoring around three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has struggled, averaging 18.4 points per game on 42.5% field-goal shooting - his lowest efficiency since he was a rookie.
A sizeable trade is likely to include forward Michael Porter Jr., sources told Jones and Amick. The 26-year-old has averaged a career-best 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
The Nuggets rank fifth in the Western Conference with a 14-10 record. They face the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday.