There is a three-party trading plan for Lakers, Nuggets and Nets, and the Lakers won the starting center

The Denver Nuggets look exhausted by the end of the 2025 playoffs. After winning all the championships in 2023 and maintaining a near-peak level, they lost in the second round in large part due to poor performance from Michael Porter Jr., who shrank again under playoff pressure.

Nowadays, the competition in the Western Conference is more brutal than ever, and the Nuggets may be ready to restructure their core squads to better support Nikola Jokic before his peak period begins to shorten or proactively proposes to leave the team.

This compelling three-team deal could have a blow to the league. The Los Angeles Lakers are desperate for a long-term and stable center, and they have found the perfect one. The Brooklyn Nets are in the NBA's purgatory and are betting on favorable situations. Where is

Denver? They may be able to take away two of the Lakers’ compelling players and a lottery draw, which may extend their championship window and quickly adjust the roster. The players involved in the transaction are strong and the logic behind them is also very reasonable. This proposal is of great significance to both sides.

Proposed deal details

Deanver Nuggets won: Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2025 No. 8 draft pick

Los Angeles Lakers won: Nick Clarkston

Brooklyl Nets won: Michael Porter II, 2025 No. 55 draft pick

Deanver Nuggets exchanged Porter Jr. for two key players around Nikola Jokic

Michael Porter II's attempt in Denver is like a roller coaster, and the Nuggets have deviated from the right track. Although he has smooth shooting and amazing athleticism (average of 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in the regular season), he repeatedly missed at critical moments.

was eliminated in the second round this year, and his shooting percentage was terrible, with only 32.2% and his three-point shooting percentage was only 25.0%. He was often absent, leaving only Nikola Jokic to bear the offensive burden alone. The Nuggets are working hard to stay at the elite level, and Porter's unstable performance has proven to be a big obstacle for them to achieve this.

Hachimura Hachimura (13.1 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game) and Dalton Knecht (9.1 points per game, 37.6% from three-point shooting), and a top ten pick. Hachimura Shizuo is not a star player, but he is the kind of wing player who has been tested in the playoffs and has both offense and defense, and can flourish around Jokic. He doesn't need to take possession, he is very efficient in his position, and has shown reliable mid-range shooting ability.

At the same time, Knecht is a subtle expert, a shot player with great potential, especially in a system that values ​​movement and passing. So what about that No. 8 show? He may be the next Jamal Murray-like gem of the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have obtained a cheaper, deeper and more flexible lineup without sacrificing their own characteristics.

Los Angeles Lakers finally ushered in a new starting center

For the Lakers, this deal is what they have been eager for for years. With Luca James and LeBron James joining, the team has tried various temporary centers this season, but has never found a suitable long-term partner. Nick Clarkston's arrival completely changed all of this.

The 26-year-old is one of the most mobile big players in the league, averaging 1.4 blocks and 7.4 rebounds per game this season, and is also the defensive pillar of the Brooklyn Nets. He is still improving, his skills—bass rush, blocks and defense switching—are perfectly fitting with LeBron James and Luca James in the short term, and he will be even better when Luca James takes over the torch and continues to move forward.

Ask, giving up Hachimura, Knecht and a lottery draw is really heartbreaking, but if you want to go all out now and build a sustainable roster after LeBron, it doesn't have to be. Clarkston is young enough to connect two timelines and be able to fill a role the Lakers have lacked for years.

This trade laid a stable defensive foundation for JJ Redick. Clarkston won't be asked to take too much offense, and in Los Angeles, that's a good thing. This is an invincible move, and it also contains future potential.

Brooklyn Nets continue to build the core of the team

Michael Porter Jr. may be the kind of change Brooklyn needs. Of course, he also has shortcomings, especially under the pressure of the defensive end and playoffs, but when Porter Jr. recovers to be healthy and confident, he is 6-foot-10 inches tall, has outstanding scoring ability, and he is only 26 years old.

In a team like Brooklyn with less pressure, players' expectations will be reset, and development is the top priority. Porter Jr. may be able to regain the rhythm that brought him close to the All-Star two years ago. He will immediately become the team's most dynamic outside scorer and bring a real 20-point threat to the Nets, who can open up space and occasionally control the pace of the game.

The deal means a lot to Brooklyn as they turn Clarkston into a long-term bet. The deal is indeed risky, but it also brings real rewards as Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas can be the core of the team and lead the team forward.

Brooklyn has been determined to rebuild the team, especially after sending away Mikal Bridges in the middle of the season. The introduction of Porter Jr will bring them a name, a scorer and an age curve that he still fits in the team's young core players. It's a gamble, but it's the right gamble for a team that has little to lose but can get everything.