How a Nikola Jokic Trade Would Look After Michael Malone’s Firing

The Denver Nuggets have to determine their playoff plan following the sudden firing of head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth. As the 2024-25 NBA common season winds down, Nikola Jokic is likely to be at present evaluating his position for the crew. He is likely to be considering whether or not he’ll keep longer for one more championship run.

Of course, Jokic will probably be a helpful asset for all groups, however the Los Angeles Lakers are well-positioned to land him as the brand new commerce rumor suggests. The purple and gold have turned issues round, they usually may recruit the Serbian huge man for a better probability to get previous the early playoff rounds.

Luka Doncic Ignites Late-Season Push for Lakers

Though LeBron James continues to be the franchise face, it is Luka Doncic who’s within the information for his well timed breakout, in accordance with Sporting News. The Slovenian star, who was traded to the Lakers in a blockbuster deal final summer season, seems to be peaking at simply the proper time.

In a latest 126-99 demolition of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Doncic scored 30 factors, solidifying his standing as a difference-maker going into the playoffs. His rising chemistry with LeBron and the remainder of the Lakers’ supporting forged has followers optimistic a few deep playoff run.

Denver Nuggets Make Aggressive Moves Before Playoffs

In a shocking twist, the Denver Nuggets made headlines this week by dismissing head coach Mike Malone and basic supervisor Calvin Booth, simply because the playoffs are close to. The timing has drawn raised eyebrows all through the league, with critics labeling the transfer “borderline irresponsible.”

Without Malone in cost, Denver’s playoff consistency is now doubtful. And if the crew doesn’t make a official postseason run, it is likely to be disastrous, significantly with franchise constructing block Nikola Jokic, mentioned to be “displeased” with the organizational overhaul.

Lakers Become a Frontrunner in Nikola Jokic Trade Rumors

There is theory round Jokic’s Denver future. If the Nuggets implode throughout the playoffs, the three-time MVP would possibly need a commerce, and the Lakers are already being considered as a touchdown spot.

Jokic’s friendship with Doncic solely feeds the rumor mill. LA is the bet-on-favorite to get the Serbian middle if a deal occurs, says FanDuel Sportsbook. One hypothetical commerce on X includes the Lakers providing Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and rookie Dalton Knecht in alternate for Jokic.

Would Denver Trade a Jokic Deal for Reaves?

Trading Jokic could be a wholesale rebuild for the Nuggets. While dropping a generational expertise is unthinkable, the return worth would possibly make it simpler to swallow. Reaves, particularly, has flashed star stuff, significantly when LeBron James is out.

Without LeBron, Reaves has averaged 27.9 factors, 6.6 rebounds, and eight.3 assists—numbers that make him a strong constructing block for a Denver rebuild.