The Denver Nuggets’ hopes of a back-to-back championship run were dashed as they lost a hard-fought 4-3 series at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Having built their team to counter the Nuggets, the Timberwolves managed to secure their spot in the Western Conference Finals against the Mavericks. This unexpected early exit for Denver signals that changes might be on the horizon to enhance their competitiveness.

Throughout the series, several Nuggets players struggled to replicate their previous season’s form. While Nikola Jokić experienced ups and downs, Jamal Murray was hampered by persistent injuries that prevented him from hitting his stride. However, the most glaring issue was the underwhelming performance of Michael Porter Jr., whose poor showing against Minnesota highlighted a critical area needing reinforcement.

Enter Mikal Bridges—a standout defender and reliable shooter. A proposed trade could see Porter Jr. heading to Brooklyn in exchange for Bridges. This move would address significant needs for both teams, potentially reshaping the Nuggets’ roster to better compete against their rivals next season.

Trade Details

Denver Nuggets receive: Mikal Bridges

Brooklyn Nets receive: Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, 2030 first-round pick

This proposed trade aims to address key weaknesses for both teams. The Denver Nuggets would acquire a versatile defender and reliable shooter in Mikal Bridges, enhancing their roster’s balance and defensive prowess. On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets would receive a promising talent in Michael Porter Jr., a young player in Christian Braun, and a valuable future draft pick, bolstering their long-term rebuilding efforts.

Why The Nuggets Can Get Better

Michael Porter Jr.’s performance in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves was underwhelming. Over the 7-game series, he averaged 10.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting a disappointing 37.1% from the field and 32.5% from beyond the arc. His struggles culminated in a lackluster Game 7, where he managed only 7 points on 3-12 shooting, including 1-6 from three-point range. These numbers highlight a significant area of concern for the Nuggets, who need more consistent and reliable production from their key players during critical playoff moments.

On the other hand, Mikal Bridges had a stellar season, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range. Bridges’ consistency is underscored by the fact that he played all 82 games, showcasing his durability—a stark contrast to Porter Jr.’s injury history.

Defensively, Bridges could be a game-changer for the Nuggets in the playoffs. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him an ideal candidate to defend elite scorers like Anthony Edwards. This would allow Aaron Gordon to focus on defending Karl-Anthony Towns, while Nikola Jokić could handle Rudy Gobert, maintaining favorable matchups and reducing defensive mismatches if both teams meet again next season.

Offensively, Bridges’ higher scoring average and shooting efficiency would provide the Nuggets with a more dependable scoring option. His ability to play every game of the season demonstrates a level of reliability that Porter Jr. has struggled to match due to recurring injuries. This trade could bring the Nuggets the stability and defensive prowess they need to make a deeper playoff run next season.

Why The Nets Should Take This Deal

The Brooklyn Nets finished the season with a disappointing 32-50 record, placing 11th in the Eastern Conference. Despite having a lottery pick, the team’s young core lacks the experience and talent necessary to compete for a championship in the near future. This proposed trade presents a strategic opportunity for the Nets to bolster their roster with young, promising talent while planning for the future.

In this trade, the Nets would acquire Michael Porter Jr., a 25-year-old forward who averaged 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in the regular season. Although Porter Jr. has had some injury issues, his potential as a scorer and rebounder is undeniable. Pairing him with the Nets’ existing young talent of Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, or Nic Claxton, could accelerate their rebuilding process.

Additionally, the Nets would gain Christian Braun, a 23-year-old guard who already has NBA championship experience. Braun averaged 7.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 82 games this season, demonstrating his reliability and potential for growth. His youth and championship pedigree would be valuable assets to a rebuilding Nets team.

Mikal Bridges, who the Nets would trade away, had an impressive season, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. However, at 28 years old and with only two years remaining on his contract, Bridges might not align with the Nets’ long-term plans. By 2026, when Bridges becomes a free agent, the Nets are unlikely to be in a position to compete for a championship. Trading him now maximizes his value, rather than waiting until he becomes an expiring contract next year.

In conclusion, this trade would provide the Nets with a younger, more promising roster while maintaining the flexibility to continue building for the future. Porter Jr.’s scoring and rebounding capabilities, combined with Braun’s youthful energy and championship experience, could set the stage for a brighter future in Brooklyn.

5 Reasons Why The Denver Nuggets Lost Against The Minnesota Timberwolves

Mikal Bridges has demonstrated his ability to perform in the playoffs, making him a valuable asset for any team aiming for a deep postseason run. In the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, Bridges averaged 12.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, shooting 43% from three-point range. His consistent shooting and solid defense were crucial as the Suns advanced to the Finals, ultimately falling to the Milwaukee Bucks.

In the 2022 playoffs with the Suns, Bridges played a key role as the team’s fourth option behind Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Chris Paul. He averaged 13.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over 13 games, shooting 39% from three-point range. The Suns were eventually eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks, but Bridges’ contribution throughout the playoffs was significant, showcasing his reliability and versatility.

Bridges continued to showcase his playoff prowess in the 2023 playoffs. Despite the Brooklyn Nets being swept 4-0 in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers, Bridges stood out, averaging 23.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. His impressive performance, even in a losing effort, highlighted his ability to elevate his game in high-pressure situations.

If the Denver Nuggets acquire Bridges, they would gain a player with proven playoff experience and the ability to perform under pressure. Being the third scoring option behind Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray could allow Bridges to thrive even more, leveraging his growth in offensive capabilities. His elite perimeter defense would also be a critical asset for the Nuggets, helping them to better match up against top-tier opponents in the Western Conference.

Will The Nuggets Do This In The Offseason?

It’s too early to tell if the Denver Nuggets will pull the trigger on trading Michael Porter Jr. this offseason. The team has a core group that won the championship just last year, making any major changes a difficult decision. Trading away a key player like Porter Jr., who has shown flashes of brilliance despite his recent struggles, isn’t something the Nuggets would consider lightly.

However, the Nuggets face the challenge of addressing their weaknesses to make a stronger push next season. This proposed trade not only offers them a reliable defender and scorer in Mikal Bridges but also provides significant financial benefits. Bridges’ contract is set at $23.5 million compared to Porter Jr.’s $35.8 million, which would free up cap space for the Nuggets to pursue additional high-caliber signings.

Balancing loyalty to their championship core with the need for strategic improvements is a delicate task. On one hand, Porter Jr. has been an integral part of the team’s recent success. On the other, his inconsistent playoff performance and injury history suggest that a change might be necessary to maintain competitiveness against top-tier teams like the Timberwolves.

Ultimately, this trade could offer the Nuggets a valuable opportunity to enhance their roster with a proven playoff performer like Bridges, improve their defensive capabilities, and gain financial flexibility. While it’s a tough decision, the potential positive outcomes make it a move worth considering as they aim for another championship run.