NBA Rumors: Nuggets Shopping First-Round Pick For Wing Defender

The Denver Nuggets figured to be a championship-contending team this season after making it to the semi-finals three seasons in a row. Injuries to key players Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have tested the team's depth on a nightly basis, but despite missing two of their top three scorers from last season the Nuggets are still 6th in the Western Conference and are just 3.5 games behind the 4th-place Utah Jazz.

Nikola Jokic has followed up last year's MVP-winning season with an equally impressive effort so far this season, carrying the Nuggets on his back with averages of 25.8 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, but it's clear that this team will need more if they plan on making a deep playoff run although the Nuggets are hopeful that both Porter Jr. and Murray will return to the lineup this season:

On NBA Today, Woj once again stated that it's the Nuggets hope to get back both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. before the end of this year.
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) January 12, 2022

While the potential returns will certainly give the team a boost, it will take some time for both of them to get into game-playing shape and to find their rhythm within the offense. In the meantime, Denver is said to be shopping a future first-round pick in exchange for a wing defender according to the Denver Post:

Given how hamstrung the Nuggets are in terms of their flexibility, they’ve even signaled a willingness to discuss their 2027 first-round pick, according to a source. Whether that might land one of their 3-and-D targets is unclear, but it’s an indication of how aggressive the Nuggets are trying to be ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.

JaMychal Green, who has struggled with his shot all season, would also likely be included in any trade due to his significant contract at $8.2 million.

Stay tuned to BBallRumors.com for the latest ahead of today's 3:00 PM EST deadline.