Kofi Inkoom
The Denver Nuggets had a rollercoaster playoff run, ultimately losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a tough seven-game series of the second round, despite leading 3-2 and even holding a 20-point lead in game 7 before falling short.
After the series, trade buzz about Michael Porter Jr. has started swirling, and Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has proposed that the San Antonio Spurs should target Michael Porter Jr. from the Denver Nuggets this summer, as Porter could be affected if the Nuggets decide to shake up their starting lineup.
Swartz proposed the following trade idea between the Spurs and Nuggets:
Denver Nuggets Receive: Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, Zach Collins
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, 2024 first-round pick (No. 28 overall)
Porter Jr., who turns 26 next month, had a solid season with the Nuggets, averaging 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting efficiently from the field, beyond the arc, and the free-throw line. He is set to make $35.9 million next season.
Swartz noted, “San Antonio gets the best overall player in the deal and has a clean enough cap sheet to absorb Porter’s contract and still retain cap space. His outside shooting would make a big difference for a Spurs team that ranked just 28th in three-point accuracy (34.7 percent) this season.”
The Spurs are in need of more talent around Victor Wembanyama, and Porter Jr. is considered one of the top scorers and shooters in the NBA. He showcased his scoring ability throughout the season, scoring at least 30 points four times and tallying over 20 points on 29 occasions.
Porter Jr. is known for his sharpshooting, making 220 3-pointers this season, which ranked 12th in the NBA. His addition would bring more offensive firepower and versatility to the Spurs alongside Wembanyama and Devin Vassell.
Selected as the 14th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Missouri, Porter Jr. has established himself as a reliable player after overcoming a back injury that sidelined him for his entire rookie season.