Nuggets: In this trade idea, the Nuggets would snag Zach LaVine from the Bulls and Garrison Mathews from the Hawks, two guys who could hit right at the heart of their problems: spacing, consistent scoring, and reliable depth off the bench.

LaVine’s having a great start to the 2024-25 season, averaging 22.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and shooting nearly 50% from the field with a strong 45.8% from three. He’s an electric scorer who can drive, pull up, and knock down shots from deep, making him the kind of offensive weapon the Nuggets need, especially since Jamal and MPJ have been underwhelming so far.

LaVine’s name has been all over the rumor mill as the Bulls think about reshaping their roster with younger talent. While he’s been a central piece for them, the team’s struggled to get anywhere meaningful in recent years, so they’re looking at their options. For the Nuggets, LaVine would instantly bring that extra scoring punch that could help Jokic get some breathing room. Teams would have to respect LaVine’s scoring ability, opening up more opportunities for Jokic to work his magic in the paint and for the offense to flow a lot smoother. On the flip side, Mathews would be a nice under-the-radar pickup for the Nuggets’ bench. He’s quietly shooting 52% from three this season on 11.9 points a game, and adds a level of floor spacing that’s been missing in their second unit. Mathews, alongside Westbrook and sophomore Strawther, could stretch the floor when Jokic is out, keeping the offense alive instead of seeing the usual scoring dips. With Mathews camping out beyond the arc, Westbrook would have more space to drive and kick, and the whole second unit would feel less predictable and more dangerous.

This season, the Nuggets’ spacing issues are obvious. Jamal’s struggling with his shot, hitting just 37.0%, and MPJ still hasn’t fully found his groove. The offense looks clunky without Jokic on the floor, and they’ve been heavily relying on him to make plays every time down the court. By bringing in LaVine, the Nuggets get a lineup that can finally take some pressure off Jokic. Imagine a starting five with Murray, LaVine, Braun, Gordon (when he’s healthy), and Jokic—a lineup that has multiple scoring threats and tons of flexibility. Adding both LaVine and Mathews could also fix the bench’s weak spots. Right now, the Nuggets’ bench ranks near the bottom in net rating, struggling with consistency and shooting from deep. With Mathews ready to knock down threes and LaVine taking over late in close games, the offense could finally keep its rhythm without draining Jokic’s minutes. This trade would be a huge boost for the Nuggets’ spacing and depth, setting them up to make a real push as they try to defend their title.

Bulls: Michael Porter Jr. may not be a franchise player, but he’s a talented forward on a max contract who could benefit from a fresh start. This season, he’s putting up solid numbers with 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 46.1% from the field and 40.0% from three. MPJ is a skilled shooter who thrives when he has playmakers around him to set him up since he’s not much of a shot creator. For the Bulls, acquiring him means bringing in a young player who could develop further, especially with facilitators like Lonzo Ball and Josh Giddey helping create open looks for him. With LaVine potentially on his way out, the Bulls are looking to reshape their roster for the future, and MPJ could be an exciting piece in that rebuild. At 26, he’s young enough to grow with the team, and his shooting would be a valuable asset as Chicago retools. In an offense where he’s a focal point, MPJ might have the opportunity to develop a more well-rounded game, while his three-point shooting provides a consistent threat on the floor.

Alongside Porter, the Bulls also get Zeke Nnaji and a 2031 first-round pick. Nnaji may not have shown a lot yet, but he’s a solid young big who could bring energy and size to their bench unit. He might not move the needle much, but as a hustle player, he can add depth in a rebuilding roster. The first-round pick, though a long-term asset, provides flexibility for future trades or draft opportunities, giving the Bulls options as they continue to build. Overall, this trade offers the Bulls a chance to move on from LaVine’s max contract and bring in a younger, high-upside player in MPJ. It’s a risk, but one that could pay off if Porter reaches his potential in a new environment. Plus, with Ball and Giddey setting him up, the Bulls could have a competitive, youthful core to work with while staying flexible for the future.

Hawks: The Hawks are making a clever move here, taking advantage of the Nuggets’ urgency to upgrade their roster. By sending Garrison Mathews—a solid shooter who isn’t in their long-term plans—they land a young, promising player in Peyton Watson, only losing a 2025 first-round pick (via the Lakers) that goes to Denver. This is a solid return for Mathews, a player they’d likely look to trade anyway. Watson, so far in the 2024-25 season, has averaged 6.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals over 20 minutes per game. While he hasn’t had a breakout season yet, he’s shown flashes of potential on both ends of the floor. His athleticism and defensive instincts make him a versatile prospect, and in a system that values player development, Watson could evolve into a valuable piece. For a rebuilding team like the Hawks, he offers a mix of youth and untapped potential that could fit well with their timeline.

Mathews has been solid, averaging double figures in scoring with efficient shooting, but he’s not a foundational player for the Hawks. By moving him now, they get a chance to develop Watson in a larger role. It’s the kind of long-term asset that can either be used in a future trade or kept to develop another young player. Overall, this deal allows the Hawks to grab a high-upside prospect, positioning them well as they look to balance competitiveness with building for the future. Watson might need some time, but he gives them defensive potential and athleticism that could complement their roster if he develops as expected.