The lights in the Nuggets' general manager's office were still on late into the night. Calvin Booth sat in his leather chair, with the monitor in front of him flashing recent team analytics reports. He reviewed Murray's season stats for the third time: an average of 17.8 points per game, a shooting percentage of only 41.2%, and a three-point shooting percentage that had dropped to 34.5%. This data sheet made the experienced general manager frown.
"We need change," Booth murmured to himself. On the big screen at Ball Arena, a highlight reel of Murray's season was playing on loop, but those images seemed to come from another time and space. Since the start of the new season, the guard wearing the No. 27 jersey has frequently been in a slump, with once astonishing crossovers and fadeaway jump shots now often missing the basket.
Sources revealed that the Nuggets management has launched a groundbreaking plan - they are in deep contact with the Suns, attempting to trade Murray, Porter Jr., and a first-round draft pick for Kevin Durant and Allen. Once this news broke, it immediately caused a sensation within the league.
Imagine the "Grim Reaper" Durant, standing at 2.08 meters tall, donning the Nuggets' dark blue jersey and launching an offensive with Jokic in the same frontcourt area. Jokic's signature "Yao-style pass" combined with Durant's one-on-one moves would be enough to break any defensive system. The data shows that Durant averaged 31.2 points per game this season, with a shooting percentage as high as 52.3%, which is rare even among the league's top scorers.
Even more exciting is the reunion of Westbrook with his old partner. Looking back at the Thunder's "Three Little Giants" era from 2012-2016, the Duwei combination was unforgettable. Westbrook averaged 10.4 assists that season, nearly 40% of which went to Durant. Now in the Nuggets, although Westbrook is already 33 years old, his explosive first step remains astonishing, and his average of 7.8 assists proves he is still an excellent playmaker.
How will the combination of "Jokic + Durant + Westbrook" dominate the court? Let's envision a tactical scenario: Jokic holds the ball at the high post, Westbrook cuts in from the weak side, while Durant roams at the right 45-degree angle. The defense will face an impossible triangle - delaying Westbrook's cut will give Jokic a passing opportunity, while double-teaming Durant will leave the inside open. In the first 30 games of the 2023-24 season, Jokic's assist conversion rate when holding the ball at the high post was as high as 67%, and this number will only increase with Durant's arrival.
Allen's addition is also crucial. This veteran, who averages 1.2 steals per game, is invaluable on the defensive end. Especially against strong teams like the Clippers and Lakers, he can rotate to defend top scorers like Leonard and James. His matchup data on the defensive end this season shows that he can reduce opponents' shooting percentage by 4.3 percentage points.
There are also risks associated with this trade. First is the depth of the rotation lineup. After sending away Murray and Porter Jr., the scoring power of the bench will significantly decrease. Second is the issue of ball distribution. Jokic is accustomed to setting up plays at the high post, Westbrook excels at pushing the ball, and Durant needs sufficient shooting opportunities. How to coordinate the offensive rhythm of the three is a test.
Observing recent training videos, the Nuggets are preparing for the possible changes ahead. Coach Mike Malone is frequently trying out new tactical configurations in training, focusing on enhancing the cut-and-roll after high screens. These details suggest that a major change is brewing.
Looking back at the Suns' situation, they are currently ranked third from the bottom in the West, with an average of 113.8 points conceded per game, exposing serious defensive vulnerabilities. Acquiring Murray and Porter Jr. could kickstart their rebuilding mode. With Murray only 25 years old and a potential first-round pick, this trade is not without appeal for the Suns.
As the trade deadline approaches, will this shocking league plan materialize? If the trade goes through, how will the Nuggets adjust their tactical system to maximize the advantages of the three giants? In today's NBA, where three-pointers are king, can a team known for mid-range and inside offense spark a tactical revolution? The answers to these questions may soon be revealed.