Former Nuggets Starter Emerges as Major Trade Possibility

Former Denver Nuggets big man Jusuf Nurkic could be traded soon
Former Nuggets Starter Emerges as Major Trade Possibility
Former Nuggets Starter Emerges as Major Trade Possibility /

In a series of Tweets, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix detailed the possibility of a Deandre Ayton for Jusuf Nurkic swap. Nurkic, the former Denver Nuggets starting center, has spent the last seven seasons in Portland. Nurkic was dealt from Denver to the Trail Blazers in 2017, which allowed Nikola Jokic to become the full-time starting center for the Nuggets.

Now possibly on the trade block again, Nurkic could be involved in a major deal according to Gambadoro. In his series of Tweets, Gambadoro wrote, "If Nurkic was on the table I would be surprised if the Suns didn't look into it because an argument could be made that is an upgrade for [Phoenix]. This would be contingent on [Damian Lillard] being moved. Portland has previously shown no interest in [Ayton] but that was with Dame staying. If they do not have Dame on the roster they could very well want a young 25-year old to build around."

While this part of Gambardo's report was phrased more as an opinion than a scoop, he added that a Lillard trade is expected very soon, which could then trigger this swap between Phoenix and Portland. Gambardo also shared a story from Arizona Sports that solidified this potential trade as something he sees as a real possibility if Lillard is moved.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.