The Denver Nuggets had their sights set on a backup point guard before the season started, but couldn’t get a deal done.

According to the Stein Line, Denver had talks with the Milwaukee Bucks to try and acquire Kevin Porter Jr in exchange for Zeke Nnaji, two second round picks, and a second round pick swaps.

The Bucks ultimately turned down the deal as they didn’t want to take on Nnaji’s contract.

Milwaukee waived Porter Jr. ahead of the season to get their roster down to 15 players under contract. He remains a free agent. Denver has only 14 players under contract and could potentially add him on a minimum deal.

Seemingly since the day he was signed to an extension, the Nuggets have been trying to trade Nnaji. He signed a four-year, $32 million deal that began in 2024, and has found himself largely out of the rotation ever since. He played 9.9 minutes in 2023-24, 10.7 minutes in 2024-25, 12 minutes in 2025-26, and has yet to play this season.

With the emergence of Trevon Brazile, Denver’s second round pick in 2026, it’s unlikely that Nnaji will see the court barring injuries this season.

He still has a player option worth $7.4 million that he can pick up next offseason. Given that he’s been given next to zero opportunity to prove himself into a big contract, unless he’s willing to take a prove-it deal elsewhere, he’s not going to get an offer that will pay him anywhere close to $7 million.

If the Nuggets were unable to offload Nnaji and three second round picks for a player the Bucks ultimately cut, who can they offload him for?

The Nuggets brought back Tyus Jones to be the backup point guard behind Jamal Murray, but early returns haven’t been great.

It’s only been two games, but Jones has four total points and no assists. He’s shooting 25% from the field and is 0-for-1 from three. The Denver offense has completely stalled with Jones on the floor.

Porter Jr. started in 36 of 38 games for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, averaging 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on 46% shooting from the field and 32% from three. He shot 40% from three the season prior, but that’s not his strong suit.

He plays with pace and is an upgrade over Jones should Denver want to take a chance on him.