Jamal Murray, MPJ Trades Reportedly Were Explored by Calvin Booth amid Nuggets Rumors

Despite firing head coach Michael Malone and revealing general manager Calvin Booth will not return next season, the Denver Nuggets will still rely on their trio of star players in Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. during the upcoming playoffs.

Yet Denver reportedly looked into trading two of those players.

Bennett Durando of the Denver Post reported Saturday that Booth "explored trades involving Jamal Murray last offseason and Porter during this season" because he "believed the sacrifice of [Kentavious Caldwell-Pope] and other, more significant pivots could be necessary to win a second championship."

Caldwell-Pope signed with the Orlando Magic this past offseason for three years and $66 million. 

Durando reported Denver's decision to not match the contract offer was one reason Malone had grown "increasingly frustrated with roster construction" around Jokić.

The Nuggets have one of the best players in league history who has challenged for the fourth MVP of his career this season in Jokić, although there haven't been many meaningful additions around him of late. 

In fact, trading Murray or Porter could have been a significant subtraction depending on what the front office received in return. After all, Murray (21.5 points per game) and Porter (18.1 points per game) are the second- and third-leading scorers on the team and the ones most often trusted with leading the offense outside of Jokić.

Murray has made a habit of delivering in key moments during the postseason and will surely look to do the same in the coming months.

While the Nuggets reportedly looked into trading the guard last offseason, they ultimately ended up giving him a four-year, $208 million maximum contract extension in September. Yet Porter's name was brought up in trade rumors multiple times this season, which brings his future with the organization somewhat in doubt despite his significant role.

Perhaps helping lead another championship run could give him more leverage in any future contract negotiations with the new-look front office after Booth's firing.