NBA Rumors: Zack Lavine Could Move To Denver In Blockbuster Proposal
Should Denver Fall Short, Zach LaVine Could Be the Missing Piece for a Title Push
As the Denver Nuggets battle the Oklahoma City Thunder in a tightly contested 2-2 second-round series, speculation is growing about the team’s next steps if they fail to defend their championship.
Another early playoff exit—their second in four years—could force the Nuggets to make a bold move, potentially trading a core player for an elite scorer to reignite their title hopes.
Proposed Trade Breakdown
Denver Nuggets Receive: Zach LaVine
Sacramento Kings Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Hunter Tyson
Why Denver Could Explore This Deal
At first glance, this trade is high-risk, high-reward. LaVine, despite his injury concerns and defensive shortcomings, is one of the league’s most efficient high-volume scorers. After being dealt from Chicago to Sacramento midseason, he averaged 22.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 51.1% from the field and 44.6% from three.
His ability to create his own shot, thrive in transition, and stretch the floor would make him an ideal fit alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
For Denver, the logic is simple: they need another reliable halfcourt scorer, especially when defenses swarm Jokic in the playoffs. LaVine’s three-level scoring would give the Nuggets a much-needed offensive boost when Jokic is resting or facing double teams.
Unlike Porter, who excels primarily as a catch-and-shoot threat, LaVine can generate offense in isolation, off the dribble, and at the rim—a dimension Denver has lacked on the wing.
However, the move isn’t without risk. Porter, who posted 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this season on 50.4% FG and 39.5% 3P, is younger, more cost-controlled, and has developed into a dependable third option.
But his defensive inconsistencies and limited shot creation have been exposed in the playoffs. In a loaded Western Conference, Denver may decide they need a more dynamic scorer to reclaim their place atop the league.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for Sacramento
For the Kings, this could be an opportunity to reset. After missing the playoffs and moving on from De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento may see LaVine as a poor long-term fit given his hefty contract. Acquiring Porter gives them a younger, more versatile forward to pair with Keegan Murray, adding floor-spacing and rebounding to their frontcourt.
Nnaji provides energy and rim protection, addressing Sacramento’s lack of frontcourt depth, while Tyson offers upside as a developmental shooter.
This deal would signal Sacramento’s shift toward a more flexible, youth-oriented rebuild.
If both teams are looking to pivot, this trade could benefit each side. Denver would gamble on LaVine’s offensive firepower to extend their championship window, while Sacramento would secure younger assets with room to grow.
Image - Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn
