The Nuggets and Jazz may conduct starter swap transactions to facilitate their foothold in the Western Conference

According to Eddie Bitar, a contributor to US sports media F/W. With Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets' most valuable non-Jokic asset, on the table, on the table, Denver may soon be underway to bring more forward players around Jokic and Murray. The Jazz's Collins Sexton came on the field, and the two tried-and-tested starters could instantly inject depth and balance into Denver's ever-changing roster. On the other hand, the Utah Jazz are in full rebuild mode.

And the Jazz are ensuring that the young players' core is moving in a long-term upward direction, which marks a strategic turn in their long-term planning. This makes it possible that some major deals could occur between the two teams to change the landscape of the West.

Nuggets get: Collins, Sexton

Jazz get: Porter Jr., Tyson

Nuggets get shots, athleticism and depth

Nuggets significantly improve their outside shooting with Sexton and Collins joining. Sexton averaged 18.4 points per game with 48% shooting percentage and 40.6% of 3-point shooting percentage in 2024-25 and will provide Jokic with better off-ball threat and catch-shooting options.

Collins brought more physical fitness in the frontcourt. Can fight tougher showdowns, rush offensive boards, and reduce Jokic's physical burden, his presence will create more lineup changes. In terms of depth, Sexton and Collins are experienced starters who can play for 30+ minutes. This injection can better manage load across roles, given Denver’s bench struggles and their early exit from the playoffs. Denver will distribute more evenly for 1-5 minutes, reducing fatigue and giving coaches the flexibility to keep the stars resting and maintaining physical fitness. The Jazz continue to move towards the long-term development of new players, receiving Porter Jr. and Tyson fit their reconstruction schedule. Porter, 26, averaged 18.2 points, 7 rebounds, shooting 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from three-pointers. He is a versatile two-way swinger who can be the core cornerstone around Marca and Kessler. His efficient shooting ability provides room for the Jazz’s current floor configuration.

Tyson, although a role player, gave Utah youth an edge. He scored 15.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in the 2024-25 Summer League, making him a candidate for rotation depth. In a young, development-focused environment in Utah, he can thrive with more opportunities and coaching focus. The deal will mark a milestone, providing the Jazz with a tried-and-tested scoring wing who is still entering his prime.

Win-win deals for both the Nuggets and the Jazz

From a Denver perspective, Sexton's excellent shooting and Collins' physical presence around Jokic could lift Denver from an early exit to a deeper playoff performance. This is a win-win move aimed at providing Jokic with complementary talent to address spacing, resilience and rotational balance. For Utah, they saw top 3D capabilities in Porter Jr. while adding Tyson's developmental advantages. It simplifies their list around their precious assets while retaining flexibility and future capacities.

Nuggets have room for breathing on both sides of the offense and defense, and the Jazz transformed the two veterans into a cornerstone of high potential and development depth.