Kofi Inkoom
The Raptors are planning to exercise their $23 million option on Bruce Brown Jr. with the intention of trading him during the offseason.
Meanwhile, despite rumors, Nuggets GM Calvin Booth has stated that Michael Porter Jr. will not be on the trade block.
However, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley proposes a potential trade between the Raptors and Nuggets involving MPJ and Brown.
Buckley proposed the trade: Michael Porter Jr. to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, pick No. 31, and a 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected, via IND).
Buckley noted the Nuggets’ playoff shortcomings and Porter’s subdued performance, suggesting a need for roster adjustments.
“Denver also shouldn’t just dismiss the playoff failure as nothing, though. The Nuggets’ lack of depth was exposed in that series. Porter, who managed only 25 total points over the final four outings, was unsettlingly quiet for a $30 million-plus player who largely makes his money on the offensive end.”
The Nuggets have had their sights set on Brown since his departure from the team, with January reports from TNT’s Chris B Haynes indicating their interest in acquiring him.
Buckley added that Denver should think about shaking up their roster to manage expenses.
“Denver has to at least consider moving a player or two around, or this roster will become too pricey to keep. If Porter becomes the odd man out, this could the kind of package the Nuggets pursue: two plug-and-play rotation players for next year’s playoff run in Brown (a member of Denver’s title team) and Olynyk, plus an early second-round pick and future first-rounder to either grow the young core or sweeten a trade offer down the line.”
Brown joined the Pacers last year in free agency before being traded to the Raptors this season. Despite dealing with a knee issue, he put up decent numbers with the Toronto club, averaging 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
For Porter Jr., he has been a solid contributor for the Nuggets, averaging 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game this season. He has improved steadily since overcoming a back injury that sidelined him for his entire rookie season.
Porter Jr., who turns 26 in June, has become a reliable player for the Nuggets, playing in 81 games this season and boasting career averages of 15.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.