The Denver Nuggets’ season came to a stunning and disappointing end in the first round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even with Anthony Edwards sidelined for the final two games and limited by injury earlier in the series, Denver could not advance. Nikola Jokić performed at his usual elite level, but the supporting cast failed to deliver.
In his end-of-season press conference, Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke delivered a clear message: “everything is gonna be on the table outside of trading Nikola [Jokić].” That statement has ignited widespread speculation that Jamal Murray, the longtime backcourt partner of the Serbian superstar, could be available at the right price.
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Murray just delivered an All-NBA caliber season and maintains a special on-court chemistry with Jokić that has powered Denver’s best moments over the past several years. The Nuggets earned a top-3 seed in a brutally competitive Western Conference, so any move involving Murray must be handled with extreme care to avoid overcorrecting. Yet if the front office’s goal is a significant roster overhaul and locker room refresh around Jokić, Murray’s value on the trade market is substantial.
Here are four realistic blockbuster trade frameworks that could reshape Denver’s future while giving Murray a fresh start elsewhere.
Jamal Murray to the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jamal Murray Denver Nuggets Receive: Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, No. 9 overall pick, 2029 first-round pick (via LAL), 2031 first-round pick
Dallas is determined to accelerate its contention window, particularly with the incoming presence of top prospect Cooper Flagg. Falling to the No. 9 lottery slot has complicated their pursuit of elite young point guards, prompting new leadership—GM Mike Schmitz and president Masai Ujiri—to explore aggressive moves.
Murray, despite turning 29 and carrying a max contract, remains one of the premier guards in the league. His off-ball scoring and secondary creation would pair beautifully with both Flagg and Kyrie Irving. Recent precedents show high-level guards like Desmond Bane and Mikal Bridges commanding four first-round picks; Murray’s pedigree should still fetch a strong return.
For Denver, the No. 9 pick offers an immediate chance to draft a guard replacement or add depth (names like Brayden Burries, Aday Mara, or Yaxel Lendeborg are in range). Klay Thompson, though past his prime, brings elite shooting gravity ideal for Jokić’s gravity-defying offense. PJ Washington adds forward size, athleticism, and defensive versatility as Peyton Watson heads toward free agency. The two future firsts, including an unprotected Lakers pick in 2029, provide long-term flexibility.
Jamal Murray to the Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jamal Murray Denver Nuggets Receive: Egor Dëmin, No. 6 overall pick, 2028 first-round pick (via PHI, top-8 protected)
Brooklyn possesses the cap space to absorb Murray’s salary and the draft capital to absorb the hit to future assets. After trading Mikal Bridges, the Nets are expected to pivot toward building a competitive roster quickly under GM Sean Marks. Murray would give them a proven creator and scorer to pair with Michael Porter Jr., making the roster far more attractive to future free agents or stars drawn to the New York market.
Denver would land the No. 6 pick—highly valuable given their need for a young guard to develop alongside Jokić. Options range from speedy creators like Kingston Flemings, elite shooters like Mikel Brown Jr., or polished pick-and-roll operators. The protected 2028 first from Philadelphia gains appeal as Joel Embiid and Paul George age. Egor Dëmin, a former lottery pick, offers intriguing 6-foot-8 size with shooting and playmaking instincts that could thrive in a connective role off the bench or in the starting five.
Jamal Murray to the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic Receive: Jamal Murray Denver Nuggets Receive: Jalen Suggs, Goga Bitadze, Jase Richardson, 2032 first-round pick
The Magic went all-in with the Desmond Bane acquisition but still struggled with injuries and barely secured the No. 8 seed in the East before falling in seven games to the Pistons. With Jamahl Mosely out as head coach, Orlando may consider another bold swing to chase contention in a relatively open Eastern Conference.
Murray’s elite half-court creation and shooting would instantly elevate Orlando’s offense alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. A healthy Murray-Bane backcourt would solve spacing issues while preserving defensive identity. Anthony Black could absorb some of Suggs’ former minutes.
In return, Denver would acquire Jalen Suggs’ defensive tenacity and perimeter versatility, perfect for spoon-fed spot-up opportunities from Jokić. Jase Richardson, a promising off-ball scorer, and Goga Bitadze, a rugged backup big, would immediately upgrade Denver’s weak bench and center rotation. The 2032 first-round pick adds future upside.
Jamal Murray to the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons Receive: Jamal Murray Denver Nuggets Receive: Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, No. 21 overall pick, 2030 first-round pick
Detroit has emerged as a physical powerhouse but needs additional offensive creation and shooting to complement Cade Cunningham. Murray fits seamlessly as a co-creator who can also hold his own defensively.
For Denver, Duncan Robinson’s off-ball movement and shooting would flourish next to Jokić. Isaiah Stewart brings toughness, rebounding, and defensive versatility the current supporting cast lacks. Ron Holland remains a high-upside developmental piece with elite athleticism. The No. 21 pick (via Minnesota) and a 2030 first provide draft capital to continue the retooling.
The Bottom Line
Trading Jamal Murray would mark the end of an era in Denver, but it could also breathe new competitive life into a roster that underperformed this postseason. Each of these frameworks offers Denver a different mix of immediate help, future assets, and roster reshaping—while giving Murray a chance to join a team built to win now.
The Nuggets’ front office faces a critical crossroads. With everything on the table except Jokić, the next moves could define the franchise’s trajectory for the rest of the decade.