trade notes - 2028 Nuggets/Raptors pick swap is top 1 protected and is in the Raptors favor, 2030 Nuggets/Bulls pick swap is unprotected and is in the Bulls favor.

Nuggets - with Jamal Murray’s regression, Denver needs another creator. Denver has shown interest in LaVine. LaVine is a great fit who increases Denver’s shot creation, while also maintaining a great off-ball fit. also finally address the backup center problem in Chris Boucher, a guy Denver has shown interest in, his defensive skillset along with his shooting would also allow Denver to play him next to Jokic in certain lineups. have to give up 2 distant pick swaps and sacrifice a bit of size in the starting lineup to get it done. Denver is also under the 2nd apron enough to where they can sign 2 more players and remain under that apron.

Bulls - LaVine has been playing great this year, but it’s clear he doesn’t fit their timeline. MPJ’s contract is a bit better than LaVine’s and he is younger. Chicago doesn’t have to take on Nnaji like reports said they don’t wanna do, but do have to take on Saric’s likely 2 year deal. Hunter Tyson is here to salary match. the real prize of the trade is an unprotected 2030 pick swap, when the Nuggets could be regressing. note.. Chicago would have to waive someone to finalize this trade, likely Chris Duarte.

Raptors - it’s unknown if Toronto would be willing to take on long term salary to secure additional assets, as here they have to take on Zeke Nnaji’s horrible contract.. but they are rewarded with a lightly protected 2028 pick swap when the Nuggets could be regressing. a flier on Hunter Tyson is nice too (if they prefer Pickett instead, that should be fine too). Boucher is not in the long term plans and Toronto would be lucky to get anything of value for him, taking on bad money for a legit good asset is a good gamble in my opinion.