The Nuggets thought about trading for Anthony Davis.
Denver considered pairing the Pelicans superstar with Nikola Jokic, but refused to part with Jamal Murray, according to a report from the Denver Post. New Orleans insisted the 22-year-old guard be a part of any deal between the two teams, but the Nuggets felt that price was too steep.
Murray averaged 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this past season and was instrumental in the Nuggets' push to the Western conference semifinals, where they ultimately lost to Portland in seven games.
The Nuggets were also deterred by Davis' intentions to make wherever he was traded a one-year deal. He had his sights set on playing for the Lakers alongside LeBron James, and the Nuggets still have a promising, young prospect in Michael Porter Jr. that has yet to play.
A pairing between a playmaking big like Jokic and Davis would be interesting to say the least, though. Jokic led his team in points (20.1), rebounds (10.8) and assists (7.3) per game in 2018-19. His play got even better in the postseason. Davis, on the other hand, is an elite two-way talent that averaged 25.9 points and 12.0 rebounds per game in 56 appearances for the Pelicans last year.
New Orleans reportedly agreed to a deal Saturday that will send Davis to the Lakers in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart and three first-round draft picks — making Los Angeles much more competitive.
Denver likely won't look very different after June, though, as it doesn't have a single draft pick this year and 12 players under contract for 2019-20.