A bold trade proposal has surfaced that would see the Denver Nuggets acquire superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The hypothetical deal aims to shake up a roster that, despite a recent 136-119 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2026, has faced playoff disappointment. The Nuggets are currently on a three-game winning streak, with a recent form of 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five outings.
The Nuggets would receive Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and PJ Washington. In return, the Dallas Mavericks would get Fred VanVleet, Aaron Gordon, and Clint Capela. The Houston Rockets would acquire Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Zeke Nnaji. This three-team framework is designed to comply with NBA salary cap rules, with Denver shedding over $110 million in salary while taking back around $103 million.
On paper, the financials work. The Nuggets are currently about $3 million above the league's second apron, making a major salary dump necessary for such an ambitious move. Losing core players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon would be a significant shift. Murray was instrumental in the team's 2023 championship run.
The primary goal is to build a new contender around Nikola Jokic. A starting lineup featuring Jokic, Durant, and Irving would demand a complete offensive overhaul. Jokic's touches would likely decrease, but the added firepower could relieve the constant defensive pressure he faces. Durant and Irving are elite scorers who command double-teams, which could create more space and easier opportunities for the Serbian center.
Defensively, the trade presents a mixed bag. Losing Aaron Gordon's versatility would hurt, but PJ Washington and Kevin Durant provide capable perimeter defense. Kyrie Irving is also considered a defensive upgrade over Jamal Murray. The potential payoff is keeping Jokic happy and committed long-term, as his free agency looms after next season.
The risks are substantial. Both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant hold player options for the following season and could leave as free agents. PJ Washington's contract has been criticized as one of the league's worst. Trading away a homegrown star like Jamal Murray for a short-term gamble carries immense franchise-altering weight.
Recent results highlight the team's inconsistency. After a 125-93 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in May 2025, they rebounded with a 119-107 win two days later. This season, they followed a 125-118 loss to Memphis on March 19, 2026, with a dramatic 125-123 win in Phoenix. The proposed trade is a high-stakes attempt to find sustained elite performance. For the latest team stats and standings, visit our [stats](/stats) page.
This scenario is purely speculative. The article sourcing it even notes such a deal will never happen. But it sparks conversation about how far the Nuggets might go to return to the NBA's summit after falling short in recent postseasons. The current roster, riding a three-game win streak, will look to build momentum as the season progresses.
