Blockbuster Nuggets-Mavericks Trade Idea Swaps All-Star Guards

A mock trade has the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks swapping their star point guards in a blockbuster deal.

by Nathaniel Holloway

Sep 15, 2026

May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) talks to Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Mandatory Credit&colon; Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

It has been an interesting offseason thus far for the Denver Nuggets as they have made multiple changes to their roster after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last season.

So far this offseason, the Nuggets have lost some of their key players from last season as they waived Jonas Valanciunas, let Tim Hardaway Jr. walk in free agency and dealt Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a sign-and-trade.

Of course, Denver also made some key additions as the franchise signed DeMar DeRozan and Marvin Bagley III in free agency.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic

Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Despite these moves, the Nuggets may look to make another major splash heading into the new season as they not only try to compete for another title with Nikola Jokic but also make sure the superstar center is satisfied enough with the organization to sign a contract extension before he can exercise his player option next summer.

If Denver decides to go this route, one player they could target to upgrade their roster is Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.

Mock Trade Swaps Nuggets’ Jamal Murray for Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11)

Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

In a potential trade, the Nuggets could send Jamal Murray, Zeke Nnaji and a 2031 Cavaliers first-round pick to the Mavericks in exchange for Irving and Caleb Martin.

For the Nuggets, moving on from Murray would be a tough decision for them to make as he has been a key player for them throughout his career, including their 2023 championship run. However, they may believe it’s time to make a major change if they get off to a slow start this upcoming season.

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray.

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By making this trade, Denver would add another superstar point guard in Irving who could be an upgrade over Murray if he is able to return to form after missing all of last season while recovering from a torn left ACL.

Irving would provide the Nuggets with a reliable scorer and playmaker in the backcourt who could form a lethal offensive combination with Jokic while also giving Denver an underrated perimeter defender.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11)

Denver would also add a key veteran forward in Martin to upgrade their bench as they try to make a run at a championship this upcoming season.

While this trade could work out well for the Nuggets, they may elect to hold onto Murray this upcoming season while the Mavericks may be unwilling to move on from Irving.