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3 best Jamal Murray trade destinations if Nuggets shockingly break up Nikola Jokic pairing

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3 best Jamal Murray trade destinations if Nuggets shockingly break up Nikola Jokic pairing

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Bailey Bassett, ClutchPoints | Last updated May 5, 2026 5:53 PM ET

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The Denver Nuggets’ loss in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves ensures the franchise will take a cold, hard look at their roster and its future together. Losing to an underdog team that suffered injuries to a handful of their best players was inexcusable. Nikola Jokic is still arguably the best player in the NBA, although his claim to that title took a hit when he struggled in the postseason. Still, the three-time MVP isn’t going anywhere.

There isn’t as much certainty about the rest of the roster, though. Reports suggest the Nuggets will take trade calls for anybody but their Serbian star. While Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun are perhaps the most likely to be moved, a trade involving Jokic’s running mate, Jamal Murray, can’t be ruled out, either. A trade involving Murray is highly unlikely. He is coming off the best season of his career and his first All-Star appearance. His chemistry with Jokic is unmatched, too. If Denver took drastic measures and decided to trade Murray, though, what teams would he fit best with?

4. The Memphis Grizzlies could trade for Jamal Murray

Of the superstars on the trading block this upcoming offseason, Ja Morant is perhaps the most likely to be dealt. The Memphis Grizzlies have already traded Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. over the last year, proving they are embracing change. Morant’s last few seasons have been riddled with drama, too. He has been too often hurt and regularly involved in off-the-court issues.

While Morant’s recent struggles make a trade seem imminent, a change of scenery could lead to the point guard returning to his superstar status. Morant hasn’t seemed to draw much trade interest recently, but he is someone who could replace Murray in Denver’s backcourt. Plus, the Grizzlies have tons of depth and draft capital they could send Denver’s way, especially because the aforementioned Bane and Jackson trades netted the team a plethora of future draft picks.

Murray would allow the Grizzlies to finally move in a new direction without Morant. They almost have too many draft picks right now, so consolidating them for Murray and hoping his All-Star status remains for years to come could make a lot of sense.

3. The New Orleans Pelicans need more help

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The Western Conference is stacked, and the teams in it keep getting better. Teams that aren’t aggressive will fall behind, and the New Orleans Pelicans are at risk of that. The team has some talented young players, including Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, Jordan Poole, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Jeremiah Fears, Yves Missi, Jordan Hawkins, and Derik Queen.

That young core was only able to win 26 games this season, though, and they need someone who can elevate them to the next level. While the Pelicans have tons of scoring threats, they arguably don’t have a true go-to scorer. Williamson is close, but he is sidelined far too often, and his lack of a 3-point shot holds him back.

Murray can create off the bounce and score from all three levels. He is also one of the best players in crunch time, evidenced by his being a finalist for the Clutch Player of the Year award this season.

2. Jamal Murray is a fit for the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are embarking on the Cooper Flagg era. The team traded Anthony Davis at the trade deadline, signaling they are moving past the Luka Doncic trade failure and embracing a time in which their number one overall pick will lead the team going forward. The youngster from Duke needs more help, though, and he shouldn’t be forced into playing point guard minutes ever again like he was at the start of last season.

Kyrie Irving will be returning from injury next season, but Murray is a younger and less injury-prone option. In a swap for Irving, Murray would supply the scoring and ball handling that would ensure Flagg isn’t overburdened as a sophomore.

Flagg would help Murray, too. The Kentucky product is used to playing with a do-it-all megastar who has become the best player in the NBA because of his versatility. Flagg is a jack of all trades in his own right, and while it is overzealous to say he can reach Jokic’s level, he was one of the most highly touted prospects ever.

1. The Orlando Magic need a scoring guard

The Orlando Magic’s problems have been evident for years. They’ve long had plenty of length, physicality, and defense, but not nearly enough playmaking and 3-point shooting. They tried to fix that with the offseason trade of Desmond Bane, but the Magic still fell short of expectations this season.

They already moved on from head coach Jamahl Mosley, but the acquisition of a different Jamal with the initials JM would make a lot of sense. Murray would finally unlock the Magic’s offense. He’d provide spacing for slashers like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, if the latter weren’t included as part of the trade package. He is also a floor general who could get his teammates open looks.

Murray’s mediocre defense would also be covered by a roster filled with stoppers. The Magic have been on the brink of breaking out for years now. A Murray trade would help them become legitimate contenders, which is why his best trade fit would be Orlando.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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