Franchise-altering trade proposal warrants Spurs serious consideration

The San Antonio Spurs have found themselves in another interesting trade proposal. Some of these ideas are simply insane conceptions developed by minds that may have been subjected to too many hours of the NBA2K MYGM game mode. You have the option to force deals through that would never take place in reality when playing those games because even the video game recognizes a ridiculous deal when it sees one.

The arrangement suggested that prompted this article involves the Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets sending one of their main cogs to the 2-1-0. Interestingly enough, Bleacher Report's latest idea isn't that crazy when you read their explanation and consider all the factors involved.

San Antonio and Denver should consider this trade with a tweak

The Spurs will need to add a draft pick. They have so many from now to 2030 that they should be able to make that happen without sacrificing the plan to build sustainability. Losing Tre Jones would be unfortunate but to gain a three-point shooter the size of Michael Porter Jr. is too good to pass up. If you slide him into the starting lineup next to Victor Wembanyama, you open a massive amount of space for your offense to operate.

The 25-year-old small forward from Missouri was projected to be a top-five pick in 2018 before sustaining back injuries that caused him to slip to 14th, where he was selected by the Denver Nuggets. They saw the vision of the contributions to be had from a 6'10 athletic forward with a soft shooting touch. He shoots 40% from three and has had several standout performances, including some very important showcases during playoff competition.

Most fans will find themselves wondering what reason Denver would have to make this deal and the answer is simple: money. It is less about the additional depth (though it does help tremendously) and more about clearing cap space. The Nuggets are projected to enter next season well over the salary cap, with one of the highest payrolls in the league.

Jamal Murray will be entering the final season of his deal, looking for a contract extension. No doubt, Denver will want to get him locked up as soon as possible, likely with a max deal. They will have to make room at some point and with Nikola Jokic making over $50 million a year, Porter Jr.'s upcoming $38 million hit may be untenable for the team.

Meanwhile, Tre Jones is making $9 million with only one year left on his deal and Keldon Johnson is making $18 million on a declining deal. Zach Collins is set to make $16 million next season and $18 million the following year. It's all much more manageable for Denver. A passer like Jokic can maximize Johnson too; he would thrive there. Hopefully, Brian Wright will pick up the phone this summer and can sell them on the deal. If not, he can just send them this article.