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Former Laker emerges on Denver Nuggets' radar with $35.8M player likely to make room for trade: Report

The Denver Nuggets have been at the center of the NBA trade rumor mill over the past day. The 2023 champions seem to have run their course with their current core, leaving them in dire need of upgrades around superstar Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP has averaged 30.9 points, 13.3 rebounds and 9.9 assists per game, shooting 55.8%, including a career-high 48.9% from 3.

His production alone tells the story of the Nuggets over-relying on him to get through the season. However, it may not be enough come playoff time, especially against teams with depth. The Nuggets reportedly have their eyes set on multiple players, including Zach LaVine. Amid those rumors, insider Ian Begley put another name in the mix: former Laker Brandon Ingram.

"Re: The Athletic report on the Nuggets’ search for a scorer, I’ve heard Brandon Ingram is another player among the group on their radar," Begley tweeted on Tuesday.

He added a note regarding this potential blockbuster move, saying the Denver Nuggets will likely have to make room for this trade by dealing Michael Porter Jr.'s $35.8 million contract.

"FWIW: the clearest pathway for Denver to make a trade for a big scorer with a significant salary would be to include Michael Porter Jr. in deal," Begley said.

The Pelicans are reportedly willing to part ways with the star tandem of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williams after a 5-22 start to the season. If the talks pick up in the foreseeable future, there is a strong possibility the two sides could reach an agreement.

Denver Nuggets trade: Is moving on from Michael Porter Jr. for Brandon Ingram ideal?

The Denver Nuggets would have an interesting choice about deciding Michael Porter Jr.'s future before the trade deadline. Denver seemingly placed its faith in its former 2018 lottery pick by reaching an agreement on a five-year $179.2 million max deal three years ago. He repaid that shortly by playing a key role in the team's 2022-23 championship season.

Porter Jr. has been an excellent fit as a third option and a knockdown shooter alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. However, the Nuggets seemingly need more out of him after Murray's regression in production. The younger Porter Jr. hasn't quite provided that. The 26-year-old, now in his sixth season, has averaged a career-high 18.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 2.8 apg, shooting on 51.2/38.5/68.9 splits this year.

The Nuggets initially hoped for a bonafide All-Star level production, considering the max deal he secured, but he's at his best, proven to be a top-tier role player. On the other hand, Brandon Ingram would be a sizeable upgrade as a scorer and initiator.

He's only made one All-Star appearance but has had multiple seasons with All-Star caliber production as a consistent 20-point and 5-assist player for four consecutive seasons.

Ingram also makes sense from a financial standpoint, as his $36 million contract expires. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets owe Porter Jr. $114.9 million over three seasons, including this year. His contract impacts their flexibility to make roster fixes throughout that stretch.

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