Nuggets and Jazz Consider Major Starter Swap in Bold Trade Proposal…
Both the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz are reportedly exploring a blockbuster trade that would see key starters exchanged, potentially reshaping the Western Conference landscape.
Following another disappointing second-round playoff elimination, the Nuggets appear motivated to make significant changes. Michael Porter Jr., Denver’s top trade asset outside of Nikola Jokic, is reportedly on the market. The team seems poised for a strategic shake-up aimed at bolstering physicality around Jokic and Jamal Murray.
A Potential Fit: Utah’s John Collins and Collin Sexton
Utah’s John Collins and Collin Sexton have emerged as potential targets for Denver. Both are established starters who could bring added depth, shooting, and toughness to the Nuggets’ lineup. Meanwhile, the Jazz remain focused on rebuilding and appear open to moving veteran contributors in exchange for younger core pieces with long-term upside.
This prospective deal, which would send Michael Porter Jr. to Utah, could become one of the most impactful moves of the 2025 offseason.
Proposed Trade Breakdown
- Denver Nuggets Receive: John Collins, Collin Sexton
- Utah Jazz Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Hunter Tyson
Denver Adds Versatility and Depth
Denver would benefit from increased scoring, athleticism, and roster flexibility with the arrival of Collins and Sexton. Sexton, who averaged 18.4 points per game on 48% shooting and 40.6% from three-point range during the 2024–25 season, would offer a dynamic offensive presence far exceeding the output of current bench players like Peyton Watson.
John Collins adds toughness and rebounding in the frontcourt. With averages of 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game on 52.7% shooting in 2023–24, Collins could help alleviate the physical burden on Jokic while improving Denver’s inside presence. His pick-and-roll game and ability to finish at the rim would enhance Denver’s offensive spacing and flow.
Sexton and Collins both bring starting-level experience and could log over 30 minutes per game, improving a bench that struggled during the postseason. Their contributions would support better workload distribution across the roster, giving head coach Michael Malone more flexibility to manage minutes and avoid over-reliance on star players.
Utah Acquires Youthful Building Blocks
For the Jazz, acquiring Michael Porter Jr. and Hunter Tyson aligns with their long-term vision. Porter, at 26, posted strong numbers last season—18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds per game, shooting over 50% from the field and nearly 40% from deep. He offers Utah a versatile scoring wing who could develop alongside Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, bringing much-needed floor spacing and offensive firepower.
Hunter Tyson, although lightly used in Denver, has shown promise. He averaged 2.6 points in just under 8 minutes per game, but his performance in the 2024–25 Summer League (15.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG) suggests untapped potential. In Utah’s development-centric system, Tyson may flourish with increased minutes and coaching attention.
This trade would provide the Jazz with a young, efficient scorer in Porter and a high-upside developmental player in Tyson—complementary pieces to their current rebuild efforts. Combined with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 Draft and the defensive presence of Kessler, Utah would be positioned to build a competitive, future-ready core.
A Win-Win Scenario for Both Sides
This proposed trade presents a mutually beneficial opportunity. Denver gains two starting-caliber players who address its immediate weaknesses—spacing, depth, and physicality—positioning the team to make deeper playoff runs.
Utah, on the other hand, moves two veterans for younger, high-upside players that align with its rebuilding strategy. Porter Jr. gives the Jazz a potential star to anchor the offense, while Tyson adds rotational depth with room to grow.
Ultimately, the trade reflects Denver’s pursuit of short-term success and Utah’s investment in long-term development. Denver improves its championship odds with more versatile pieces, while Utah enhances its foundational roster with promising talent for future contention.
