Nuggets are learning just how hard it is to trade Zeke Nnaji

The Denver Nuggets are finding it difficult to trade forward Zeke Nnaji in their effort to duck below the NBA's second apron, according to writer David Decker. Reporter Jake Fischer revealed that Denver offered Nnaji, two future second-round picks, and a second-round pick swap to the Milwaukee Bucks for Kevin Porter Jr., but Milwaukee rejected the proposal and waived Porter instead of absorbing Nnaji's $7.5 million salary for the 2027-28 season.

Decker argues that Nnaji's contract is viewed negatively around the league, leaving Denver at risk of keeping him outside the primary rotation. Alternative avenues to shed salary would involve trading players such as Spencer Jones, Julian Strawther, or Cameron Johnson, or sacrificing higher-value draft capital to entice another team to take on Nnaji's contract.