The Denver Nuggets are entering a pivotal offseason with championship aspirations still burning strong. While the team has made it clear that Nikola Jokic is untouchable, virtually every other piece on the roster is under consideration as Denver seeks the right formula to return to title contention in the 2026-27 season.
That willingness to explore bold changes has opened the door to some intriguing scenarios — including a high-stakes trade for veteran star Paul George from the Philadelphia 76ers.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Framework
One proposed trade that has generated significant buzz would send Paul George to Denver in exchange for a package centered around two key Nuggets forwards. Here’s how the deal could look:
Denver Nuggets Receive:
- Paul George
- Adem Bona
- 2026 PHI 1st Round Pick (No. 22)
- 2028 LAC 1st Round Pick
Philadelphia 76ers Receive:
- Aaron Gordon
- Cameron Johnson
- Zeke Nnaji
On paper, the deal is audacious. Denver would be parting with significant frontcourt depth and experience, while taking on George’s massive $54 million salary. Yet both sides could walk away with clear, tangible upgrades.
Why the Nuggets Would Consider This Shake-Up
The Nuggets feel an urgent need to retool their supporting cast around Jokic. Aaron Gordon, affectionately known as “Mr. Nugget,” has battled durability issues, playing in less than 65% of games over the past two seasons. Heading into his age-31 campaign, there are legitimate concerns about his long-term reliability. Cameron Johnson, meanwhile, is on an expiring contract with slim chances of a big-money extension.
By moving both players, Denver would dramatically reshape its frontcourt. In return, they’d land Paul George — a still-impactful two-way wing who, despite playing only 37 games last season due to suspension and injury, delivered strong production when healthy: nearly 18 points per game and elite defensive impact (holding opponents to -3.7 points per 100 possessions, 81st percentile).
At 36 years old, George is past his absolute prime, but his skill set could mesh beautifully with Denver’s electric offense. His addition would also open the starting lineup for the rising Peyton Watson, injecting fresh upside on both ends of the floor.
Beyond George himself, the Nuggets would acquire two future first-round picks and young big man Adem Bona — a potentially more promising backup option than Zeke Nnaji. Those draft assets could be flipped to trade up in the upcoming draft or to bring in additional rotation help, offsetting some of the financial strain from George’s contract.
It’s a high-variance move. Success isn’t guaranteed, but it would unquestionably give the Nuggets a completely different look heading into next season.
Why the 76ers Would Say Yes
From Philadelphia’s perspective, this deal represents a rare opportunity to improve their starting lineup without completely blowing up the roster.
In Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson, the 76ers would be acquiring two high-level starters who fit seamlessly around Joel Embiid and their guard duo. Johnson brings elite floor spacing, while Gordon offers the versatile, two-way forward play that’s difficult to find on the trade market.
Although parting with two first-round picks — particularly the potentially valuable 2028 Clippers pick — is a steep price, the 76ers would be essentially splitting Paul George’s production into two younger, more durable pieces that align with their current timeline and roster construction needs.
A Deal That’s Crazy Enough to Work?
In today’s NBA, where contention windows are narrow and roster flexibility is everything, bold swings are sometimes necessary. For the Nuggets, this trade would represent a calculated gamble: sacrificing familiar pieces and taking on salary in hopes of injecting new life into a championship-caliber core.
For the 76ers, it’s a chance to refresh their supporting cast with proven, high-character veterans who can elevate their starting five immediately.
Whether this exact deal materializes remains to be seen. But in a league that rewards creativity and conviction, this Nuggets-76ers proposal is exactly the type of wild, outside-the-box idea that just might work. The NBA offseason is officially heating up.