Paul George is one of the most popular players on the free agent market for the 2024 offseason. There are reports that a number of teams want to acquire him, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, and there have been some rumors of trading for Paul George recently.
However, recently, according to The Athletic insiders, the Denver Nuggets have also started to get interest in Paul George, and they want to get Paul George as well.
"For example, the Denver Nuggets have been interested in George lately, looking to make a sign-and-trade deal with the Clippers"
However, in addition to giving George the biggest deal he craves, they must also give up Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Ennaji and a lot of draft money. The Nuggets probably value their draft picks just as much as the rest of the contenders in the league, so their interest ends there. ”
The Denver Nuggets had an excellent regular season and a good start to the playoffs, beating the Lakers 4-1 in the first round to advance to the second round. Unfortunately, he was defeated by the Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals and missed the Western Conference Finals.
The Denver Nuggets had considered trading for Paul George to improve their offensive and defensive stability at the front. After all, Michael Porter Jr. is young and not stable enough. Winning Paul George and building a Big Three lineup led by Jokic, Jamal Murray and Paul George has a chance to help the Nuggets defend their championship again.
The problem, however, is that the Denver Nuggets aren't willing to give up their excellent role players and some future draft picks. They don't want to overdraft the future and compete for a championship, so the Nuggets' trade negotiations with the Clippers have not gone well.
At present, Klay Thompson may be the Nuggets' first reinforcement target, after all, Paul George wants a big contract with a maximum salary, and Klay Thompson wants a 3-4 year contract, and the annual salary cannot be lower than the Golden State Warriors' offer, which is fine.
In order to avoid more luxury tax, the Nuggets have to compete for a championship, which is also a no-brainer. After all, the annual salaries of Jamal Murray and Jokic add up to more than $80 million. It doesn't really matter who gets the Nuggets in the trade. What matters is players such as Paul George and Klay Thompson, who will be able to make the Nuggets reach the Western Conference Finals or even the Finals again.
It's almost impossible for the Nuggets to send Michael Porter Jr. because his mid-to-long-range jumper is so good and the height of the shot is so good that it's hard for the average defender to block him.