The Memphis Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins was weird. Many had felt like it was the second-most stunning move of the 2024-25 NBA season. The Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers still holds the crown. However, as of today, the Grizzlies are being asked to step aside, because the Denver Nuggets just pulled the trigger on their own head-scratching move.
Shams Charania broke the news that Denver was moving on from Michael Malone. With 3 games left in the 2024-25 regular season schedule for the Nuggets, this was a stunning decision. A record of 47-32 and a championship that is only a couple of years old had Malone off most people's radars as far as potential chopping block candidates go.
The Nuggets doubled down and also parted ways with general manager Calvin Booth. The good news here is that Denver may have just taken themselves out of contention for the 2025 NBA Playoffs. This leaves the Lakers with one less team to compete with for the opportunity to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. While that is the focus for some, other fans are thinking much bigger picture than just that.
Lakers fans already envisioning Nikola Jokic in purple and gold
It did not take long for Lakers fans to start looking at Nikola Jokic like the prettiest girl at the dance. Some have already begun pitching trade ideas for the best player in the world.
The idea of a Slavic superstar duo featuring Jokic and Doncic is certainly a mouth-watering idea. The two generational offensive talents would certainly have no problem being the backbone for a potentially historic unit on that end.
Not to be a killjoy, but a trade for Jokic is rather unlikely with the Lakers' current asset pool. The Serbian big man still has two guaranteed years on his contract after this season. That would require a ridiculous trade haul that Los Angeles simply could not provide.
However, if there is optimism to be found anywhere, why not the dream of a perfect 2027 offseason?
Jokic has a player option for the 2027-28 season. If the triple-double machine somehow makes it to the point where he can test his value on the open market, why not join his good friend in Los Angeles?
The relationship betwen Doncic and Jokic has been on full display for the NBA world during the last couple of seasons. The two clearly get along. One would imagine they would combine for the greatest pick-and-roll duo that the NBA has ever seen, on top of everything else they could do offensively.
LeBron James would likely be retired by then so Doncic would certainly be in need of a running mate. Let to propaganda start now.
