Lakers’ Top Trade Offer for Nikola Jokic Amid Nuggets’ Uncertainty
With the Denver Nuggets parting ways with head coach Michael Malone, speculation is swirling: could Nikola Jokic be on the trading block?
In the NBA, only a few players are considered truly untouchable. Luka Doncic used to be one—until the Dallas Mavericks shocked the world by trading him to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that caught everyone off guard and drew widespread criticism. That blockbuster deal reshaped the NBA landscape and gave Lakers fans the impression that no star is out of reach—including Jokic.
The Nuggets’ recent firing of Malone and GM Calvin Booth right before the postseason added more fuel to the fire. The timing was just as shocking as the Doncic trade, especially since Doncic happens to be Jokic’s close friend. Now fans are wondering: could the Lakers swing a deal for Jokic this offseason amid the Nuggets’ turmoil?
Lakers’ Best Offer for Jokic
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Lakers receive: Nikola Jokic
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Nuggets receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, 2026/2028/2030 first-round pick swaps, and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick.
Realistically, it’s hard to imagine any Jokic trade that would make sense for Denver—especially one involving the Lakers. A straight swap of Doncic for Jokic might be the only offer the Nuggets would even consider, but that scenario is highly improbable.
The Lakers don’t have much draft capital to work with, offering just one unprotected pick (2031) and three pick swaps. However, with Jokic, Doncic, and LeBron James on the same roster, the Lakers would likely remain dominant, meaning those swaps would have little value. Meanwhile, the Nuggets would be rebuilding without their MVP, so the incentive for Denver isn’t strong.
If, against all odds, a Jokic deal were to happen, Austin Reaves would be a required piece. He’s emerged as a legitimate rising star, averaging 20.2 points per game this season and showing real All-Star potential. His team-friendly contract and development make him an intriguing long-term asset for Denver. Hachimura, Kleber, and Vincent would mainly be included to match salaries but could still provide depth and experience.
What’s Really Happening in Denver?
Despite the rumors, a Jokic trade remains highly unlikely. The firings of Malone and Booth appear aimed at retooling around Jokic rather than moving on from him. Jokic remains an MVP frontrunner and arguably the best player in the league. It would take an unprecedented trade package to pry him from Denver—and the Lakers simply don’t have that.
Still, the situation in Denver is strange. With only a few games left in the regular season, firing Malone ties for the latest coaching dismissal in league history, according to Patrick Andres of SI.com. The Nuggets were recently the West’s second seed, but injuries to Jamal Murray, declining team performance, and apparent locker room issues led to a 3-7 skid and a sense of urgency from ownership.
Unless this shake-up reignites the team ahead of the playoffs, Denver’s season could be slipping away. However, with smart roster moves, Jokic could still lead the Nuggets back to championship form—just as he did in 2023.
