Nuggets predicted to acquire $90 million ex-Warriors ring-chasing star via Jamal Murray trade

Nuggets predicted to acquire $90 million ex-Warriors ring-chasing star via Jamal Murray trade originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Denver Nuggets didn’t plan on entering the 2026 offseason with uncertainty about their future.

After earning the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, the expectation was for the Nikola Jokic-led Nuggets to make significant noise following two consecutive uneventful postseason performances. Unfortunately, Denver failed to do so, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round and having no choice but to objectively assess their roster in the summer.

Yahoo Sports’ Tom Haberstroh has a hunch that swapping Jamal Murray for an ex- Golden State Warriors ring-chasing star could pay dividends for the Nuggets. “Kevin Durant never made sense on a roster without Fred VanVleet (ACL) and Steven Adams (ankle) healthy, and the (Kevin) Durant experiment in Houston ( Rockets ) may very well be over before it ever really began,” Haberstroh wrote Friday. “At his age, Durant isn’t a massive upgrade defensively over Murray, but he helps lengthen the Nuggets, who are severely lacking in the athleticism department, especially with (Aaron)Gordon constantly lumbering.

” “By many measures, Durant was better than Murray this season and the 37-year-old’s contract ($6 million less than Murray next season) will also help Denver shave its payroll and provide flexibility as the team desperately tries to navigate the apron world. ” For clarity, Haberstroh’s trade idea would send Murray to the Rockets for Durant and a 2029 first-round pick. It’s no secret Durant is seeking another championship before retiring.