NBA Mock Trade: Nuggets ship Michael Porter Jr. to Jazz for much-needed depth

Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets had a postseason to forget, averaging just 9.1 points and 5.5 rebounds over 14 games. Porter shot 39.2% from the field, including 34.3% from beyond the arc and 71.4% from the free-throw line. He played through a sprained left shoulder, which appeared to affect him as early as the first round.

The Nuggets were overwhelmed in their Game 7 loss to the OKC Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Denver held a double-digit lead in the first quarter, but the Thunder quickly erased it during the non-Nikola Jokic minutes.

It underscored the Nuggets’ need to improve their depth next season and better manage Jokic’s workload. Denver might have won the series had “The Joker” not been so exhausted from carrying the team throughout the regular season and playoffs.

With the Denver Nuggets paying top dollar to their four best players, improving the bench will be difficult. Porter could be the odd man out — though his sizable contract might complicate matters for Denver’s next general manager.

Nevertheless, there’s always a path in the NBA, especially if a star like Luka Doncic becomes available. One potential option for the Nuggets’ front office: send Porter to the Utah Jazz in exchange for a pair of solid role players. Here’s a mock trade scenario that could improve Denver next season.

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NBA Mock Trade: Nuggets trade Michael Porter Jr. to the Jazz

Michael Porter Jr. of the Denver Nuggets. (Photo: IMAGN)

The Utah Jazz didn’t land the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft despite having the best odds. Utah is at a crossroads — it has a solid roster and a strong \coach in Will Hardy, positioning the team to compete in the Western Conference.

However, the stars are aligning for the Jazz next season, with AJ Dybantsa being the prized prospect in 2026. Dybantsa has committed to BYU and could be the savior of Utah’s NBA franchise

Let's look at what a Nuggets-Jazz trade around Michael Porter Jr. would look like:

Nuggets receive:

• Jordan Clarkson
• Collin Sexton

Jazz receive:

• Michael Porter Jr.
• 2031 first-round pick

In this scenario, the Denver Nuggets get a couple of scoring guards who could alleviate the pressure on Jamal Murray. Jordan Clarkson is a former Sixth Man of the Year and one of the streakiest scorers in the league. He could also start at shooting guard, sliding Christian Braun to small forward.

Collin Sexton is an undersized two-guard but is more than capable of scoring against almost anyone. The Nuggets would lose size, but Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes II could step into Michael Porter Jr.'s previous role.

One reason Denver won the 2023 NBA championship was due to Bruce Brown Jr. Clarkson and Sexton have a similar profile to Brown, though the two Jazz guards are more known for their offense than their defense.

And more than anything, Nikola Jokic won’t need to exert so much effort scoring the ball to keep a Nuggets lead or help them make a comeback.

Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz will need to stay above the salary cap floor, so acquiring a player like Porter ensures that. They would also get something in return for Clarkson and Sexton rather than lose them for nothing in the 2026 offseason.

However, the 2031 first-round pick is the sweetener of this deal. If things fall apart in Denver, this pick could be valuable and near the top of the lottery. The Jazz could also trade Porter later for more assets, especially if he performs well in his new environment.