Aside from the Miami Heat, the Denver Nuggets were also among the teams that have reportedly had discussions regarding a potential trade for Houston Rockets star James Harden, with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers also in talks about a possible deal.
However, one player who wouldn’t be part of any deal with the Rockets is Jamal Murray, according to Mike Singer of The Denver Post.
Murray, who signed a five year, $170 million contract extension with the Nuggets last summer, is coming off a breakout postseason with Denver, during which he helped the Nuggets overcome 3-1 series deficits in the first round against the Utah Jazz and Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2009.
In the 2020 playoffs in the NBA bubble, the 23-year-old Canadian averaged 26.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 45.3 percent from beyond the arc in 19 games.
After an outstanding postseason, Murray was viewed as a franchise cornerstone along with All-Star big man Nikola Jokic, and will not be included in any potential deal to bring Harden to Denver.
With the Heat reportedly ending their pursuit of Harden, the Nuggets could potentially have a better chance of landing the 2018 MVP. However, without Murray and Jokic, a deal would likely center on Michael Porter Jr. along with other rotation players and draft assets. It remains to be seen, however, if the Rockets would be interested in such a deal.
What is clear, however, is that the Nuggets front office and management see Murray as an important part of what they are building moving forward.
Follow Us
Subscribe