1-for-1 trade! Nuggets execute a legendary deal! Impacting the NBA championship landscape

They sent Porter and an unprotected 2023 first-round pick to the Nets to acquire wingman Cameron Johnson; and traded Saric to the Kings to get the center Jonas Valančiūnas.

Up to now, the Nuggets have completed two trades totaling a 3-for-2 exchange, enhancing their lineup and becoming even stronger favorites for the championship in the new season.

Additionally, in free agency, the Nuggets re-signed 2023 championship contributor guard Bruce Brown and also secured top shooter Tim Hardaway Jr.

With these moves, the Nuggets have assembled a highly competitive roster for the new season: starting lineup of Murray, Brown, Johnson, Gordon, and Jokic, with reserves including Brown, Hardaway Jr., and Valančiūnas among others.

The trade to acquire Valančiūnas was especially impressive since Saric offered little to remember; last season he played only 16 regular-season games for the Nuggets, averaging 13.1 minutes with 3.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, and did not appear in the playoffs at all...

Moreover, Valančiūnas is an extremely valuable addition for the Nuggets. Jokic finally has a dependable backup. Valančiūnas is a powerful center who has averaged a double-double for five consecutive seasons and once exploded for 18 points and 25 rebounds in a single 2022 playoff game. Last season, he averaged 8.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in under 17 minutes per game.

However, according to journalist Blackburn:“We can put to rest any thoughts of Westbrook returning to the Nuggets; he and Valančiūnas just don’t fit together.””

Indeed, as a traditional center, Valančiūnas on the floor with Westbrook would severely limit Westbrook’s driving lanes, greatly reducing his individual impact.

Notably, Westbrook has unfollowed the Nuggets and all his former teams on social media except for his original team, the Thunder.

Recently, Westbrook declined his $3.3 million player option, becoming a full free agent, yet he has not found a new team to sign with so far.

Last season, Westbrook played 75 regular-season games for the Nuggets, starting 36, averaging 27.9 minutes with 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals. In the playoffs, he came off the bench, averaging 24.1 minutes with 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He still has plenty of fuel left, so he shouldn’t struggle to find a new team.

Currently, the Kings are reportedly the team most interested in Westbrook, with meetings held and mutual interest in collaboration.However, the Kings recently signed Dennis Schröder to a 3-year, $45 million deal, which might affect Westbrook’s chances of bringing his talent to Sacramento.

Could it be that Westbrook will go unnoticed in this summer’s free agency and be forced to play overseas? The previous rumors about an Israeli club might not have been baseless.

Why not send a calendar to the Thunder management? Since the relationship is so close, now would be the perfect time to demonstrate friendship.

Returning to the reigning champions and also the biggest title favorites for the 25-26 season, the Thunder, Westbrook would not only be coming home but also getting closer than ever to winning his first career championship.

This November, Westbrook will turn 37, and his playing career is nearing its end; he might even announce retirement next year. In any case, he should give his all in the limited time left to chase what he wants, so he won’t have regrets from not trying his hardest!