Could a change of scenery benefit two underperforming swingmen?
This question underpins the latest mock trade proposed by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, which involves swapping Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. for the hefty contract of former two-time NBA All-Star Zach LaVine. Porter struggled in the Nuggets’ playoff series, which ended in a seven-game loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Conversely, LaVine faced injury issues and a deteriorating relationship with the Chicago Bulls’ front office and coaching staff last season. Buckley believes LaVine’s All-Star-level scoring could provide a significant boost to the Nuggets, who are aiming to rebound after last season’s setbacks and the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, their second-best three-point shooter and top perimeter defender, to the Orlando Magic in free agency.
Buckley argues that LaVine could be the spark Denver needs to remain competitive in the ever-evolving Western Conference. LaVine’s ability to share the offensive load with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and star point guard Jamal Murray, given his impressive stats of 25.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 three-pointers on 48/39/84 shooting splits, might be a game-changer. An offense featuring Jokic, LaVine, and Murray could become nearly unstoppable.
Additionally, Buckley sees LaVine as a strong fit alongside Russell Westbrook in the Nuggets’ second unit, with LaVine’s shooting complementing Westbrook’s dynamic driving style.
Porter, despite his struggles, did not want to use personal issues as an excuse for his performance. He acknowledged the mental toll but insisted it should not be an excuse for his underwhelming play.
Porter had a notable difference in performance between their first-round win over the Los Angeles Lakers, where he averaged 22.8 points and 8.4 rebounds, and their second-round series against the Timberwolves, where he was limited to 11.3 points and 5.4 rebounds.
