Wizards Could Part With Kyle Kuzma to Land $35M Star Forward

Just two years ago, the Denver Nuggets were on the top of the NBA world. But fast forward to the current time and Denver has seemed to take a step back.

Denver is still one of the better teams in the Western Conference but they haven't been as dominant as they once were. This has led many to believe that they could make a big move ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline.

Compared to the Washington Wizards, who are among the worst teams in the NBA, Denver looks great. But Washington does have a few trade pieces that could entice teams heading toward the deadline.

In this trade idea by Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, the Nuggets take a risk and move a key piece to their rotation. The deal would be between the Nuggets and the Wizards, sending Michael Porter Jr. to Washington.

Here is what the deal could look like between the two teams:

Denver Nuggets Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, C Jonas Valančiūnas, F Saddiq Bey

Washington Wizards Receive: F Michael Porter Jr., PF Zeke Nnaji

"Losing Porter hurts, although parting with him would help improve Denver's overall depth while adding two proven scorers to the rotation. Kuzma's declining salary year-over-year would help with the Nuggets' ever-increasing payroll and Valančiūnas finally solves Denver's backup center issues. Bey, 25, could still return from a torn ACL at some point this season and will only make $12.5 million total over the following two years. Trading for him now would be a smart long-term play by the Nuggets."

Washington would get a legitimate building block in Porter Jr. to pair with guard Jordan Poole. The Wizards have been at the bottom of the NBA standings all year but adding Porter Jr. could give them hope for the future.

This is exactly the type of move that could accelerate the rebuild out in Washington, giving them a star player to work with. Whether Washington wants to take on the large salary of Porter Jr. remains to be seen but they could use a player like him.

As for the Nuggets, this deal would completely change the look of the Nuggets but it could be worth it. They would add more depth and it could help make them much more formidable throughout the remainder of the season.

Denver is looking to bring home their second NBA title and with Nikola Jokic playing like the MVP he is, this move could help. The Nuggets would instantly become more serious contenders so they could look into something like this.

More NBA news:

Lakers Predicted to Land $26M Sharpshooting Big in Massive Trade

Blazers Predicted to Trade Away $100M Star to Eastern Conference Contender

Blockbuster Trade Proposal Has Warriors Land Pelicans $36M Star

For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.