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NBA Insider Ignores Key Element in Nuggets' Offseason Trade Speculation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated May 17, 2025 8:17 AM ET

The NBA offseason, for the majority of teams, is upon us, which means there is no shortage of mock trades, speculation, and reports, both true and false.

Whether they will admit it or not, the vast majority of NBA fans love the offseason drama, and the NBA offseason is often covered closely than the games themselves.

As the Denver Nuggets try to upset the Oklahoma City Thunder and win their second title in franchise history, fans are already looking ahead to the end of the season and possible moves the team could make.

One report makes sense on paper, but it failed to take into account the relationships involved.

According to Forbes' Evan Sidery, the Nuggets could make a push to trade for Nikola Jokic. While a trade for Durant seems unlikely, it is possible, and Denver could trot out a lineup of Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, Durant, and Nikola Jokic.

Russell Westbrook and Peyton Watson would be key contributors off the bench, proving that Westbrook opts into his player option with the hopes of winning a ring next season.

One team who should seriously consider making a push for a Kevin Durant trade this summer is the Nuggets.

It’s on full display in the playoffs Denver needs another consistent alpha scorer to take some burden off Nikola Jokic.

A Jokic/Durant pairing would be lethal offensively. pic.twitter.com/iXM0DMOyg5
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 14, 2025

However, Westbrook and Durant have a long-standing beef, dating back to his 2017 decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors, leaving Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder behind in one of the most shocking free agency moves in NBA history.

Putting them on the same team seems like a bad idea, even nearly a decade removed from the inciting incident.

Of course, Westbrook, after a solid season with Denver, could opt-out and explore the open market if the Nuggets made this move, although he seems to have endeared himself with both his teammates and fans, causing an awkward locker room situation if Denver somehow pulled off a massive move.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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