The Denver Nuggets are at the center of significant trade speculation as they evaluate options to solidify their championship aspirations. Despite a respectable 14-10 record and holding the fifth seed in the Western Conference, concerns about the team’s inconsistency have intensified during what could be another MVP season for Nikola Jokić.
Jokić has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 30.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 9.9 assists with a remarkable 64.4% true shooting percentage. His brilliance has kept Denver afloat, but his supporting cast hasn’t been as reliable. Michael Porter Jr., showing flashes of his best form, is still not the star partner Jokić needs. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray’s uneven performances—18.4 points per game on a 49.0% effective field goal percentage—have left Denver looking for answers.
With the February trade deadline looming, Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth has set his sights on a game-changing acquisition to strengthen their roster. Reports suggest Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans could be their primary target.
Ingram, a 2020 Most Improved Player award winner and former All-Star, is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists while shooting 37.4% from three-point range on 6.4 attempts per game. Despite his impressive numbers, the Pelicans’ 5-22 record has made them likely sellers ahead of the trade deadline, and Ingram’s value as a premier scorer has caught the attention of multiple teams, including Denver.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, “Brandon Ingram is among the group of players on Denver’s radar,” reinforcing earlier reporting from The Athletic. A potential trade, however, would likely involve Michael Porter Jr., whose sizable contract matches well with Ingram’s $158 million deal.
Trading Porter Jr. would be a high-risk, high-reward move, but analysts believe Ingram’s dynamic shot-creation ability could elevate Denver to legitimate title contention. “Aside from superstar center Nikola Jokić and his longtime running mate Jamal Murray, the Nuggets severely lack players who could call their own number offensively,” wrote FanSided’s Lior Lampert. “Ingram could be the answer Denver desperately needs.”
As the Nuggets explore their options, the stakes could not be higher. Adding Ingram might give Denver the offensive versatility required to compete against Western Conference powerhouses and capitalize on Jokić’s prime years.
The clock is ticking, and all eyes are on the Nuggets as they consider one of the boldest moves of the NBA season.
