Which Superstars Can the Nuggets Pair with Nikola Jokic?

The Slim Reaper

The Houston Rockets are another team that fell short in the playoffs. After losing to the Lakers without Luka Doncic, they are a team that could definitely make some big changes this offseason. The Rockets are a young team, and Kevin Durant‘s the odd one out. At 37 years of age, they may be better off dealing him away before he falls off, to secure pieces for the future.

Kevin Durant would be a great fit on the Nuggets, a team that desperately needs better shooters and shot creators. He would immediately be the best player Jokic has ever played with, and the Joker’s offensive skillset would set him up very well, very often.

Sports Illustrated’s Logan Struck listed a potential package of Jamal Murray and two firsts. That specific package, however, seems a bit unlikely. Between Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and the returning Fred VanVleet, Houston does not need another point guard. As for Denver, giving up Murray is tough enough. But throwing in two firsts for a player of Durant’s age would be very difficult to justify. 

Perhaps the Nuggets will make the deal straight up, maybe throwing in Zeke Nnaji or one first to match the cap or sweeten the deal, respectively. Other sources suggest the Rockets will be the ones giving Denver a pick. Nevertheless, Durant’s age, the Rockets’ other point guards, and Denver’s lack of guard depth outside of Murray make this trade a presumable no-go.

The Klaw

The Antetokounmpo and Durant trade ideas, while still possible, feel a bit far-fetched. Kawhi Leonard, on the other hand, seems attainable. Leonard has been with the Clippers for seven years now, and they have not made it past the first round since 2021. Despite continuous injuries from 2021 to 2025, he’s been playing at a very high level. The same cannot be said about the rest of his team.

The Clippers made the playoffs in 2025. However, none of his supporting cast of James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac from that run remain.

After failing to make the playoffs entirely this year despite a career year in scoring, Leonard could be on the way out. Leonard would fit into the team similarly to how Durant would. The difference is that he is also still a great defender, as Denver desperately needs improved perimeter defense. He is also three years younger, a very nice bonus.

Logan Struck also drew up some mock trades for this scenario. He suggests the Denver Nuggets could either give up Murray or pair others like Braun and Johnson. Like the Rockets, the Clippers are already set at point guard with Darius Garland. Additionally, with Braun’s extension having not yet kicked in, trading him is difficult.

Gordon, on the other hand, is a possibility, especially if Denver bites the luxury tax bullet and nabs Peyton Watson.

Like the Bucks, the Clippers would get Gordon and Johnson as solid win-now pieces to pair with Garland. As for the Nuggets, they would have an elite trio without sacrificing a devastating need. Not only is this trade more realistic than the other two, but it also would probably work out the best. Leonard’s injury history is scary, but if he can stay healthy, he’d be a perfect fit.

A New Look for JB

Jaylen Brown is a name that’s been swirling around Denver’s fanbase since the Boston Celtics’ playoff collapse.

Similar to the Nuggets, after failing to meet expectations and blowing a 3-1 lead, many are calling for the Celtics to blow it up. Like Leonard, Brown is a fantastic two-way wing that the Nuggets certainly need. Additionally, Brown’s superstar partner has always been fellow wing Jayson Tatum, so pairing him with a big man could be interesting.

Brown gives Denver everything they need with shooting, perimeter defense, and the ability to create. Plus, at 29 years old with three more years on his contract, the Nuggets could get plenty of juice out of this squeeze.

Logan Struck had an article ready for this possibility as well. In it, he suggested the Nuggets exchange Jamal Murray and Cameron Johnson for Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser. Of all the mocks, this one makes the most sense.

The Celtics are still trying to fill the hole Jrue Holiday left behind at the point guard position. Murray could slot into that starting role, Derrick White could move back over to shooting guard, and Payton Pritchard could continue to thrive on the bench. Meanwhile, Johnson could nicely fill Brown’s wing role alongside Tatum.

As for the Nuggets, trading Murray still leaves the massive problem of not having a starting point guard. However, Brown could take Johnson’s role at the 3, and Hauser also helps as a shooter and defender. Further, Denver could still choose to move Braun and or Gordon to go after a point guard. They could also use some freed cap space to get one with Hauser filling Watson’s role.

The move honestly works out better for the Celtics than Denver. But if the Nuggets truly are desperate to try something new, Brown could certainly be a possibility.

Taming the Trade Talks

Some of these moves are more likely than others. The Antetokounmpo and Durant deals are not nearly as attainable as the other two. But never say never.

In all honesty, though, any move involving Murray is unlikely, regardless of what other Nuggets fans say.

Murray and Jokic have been playing together for nine seasons now. That kind of chemistry cannot be taught. Additionally, Denver cannot justify shipping him away unless they have a new point guard plan in mind. The truth is that point guards are hard to come by, and finding one better than him will be challenging.

If the Denver Nuggets can afford to get any of these guys without giving Murray, they should go for it. Regardless of whether they’re giving up Johnson, Gordon, Braun, or firsts, if they can pair another star with Murray and Jokic, it’s worth a shot.