The Denver Nuggets are weighing a potential franchise-altering trade proposal to acquire Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry by sending long-time point guard Jamal Murray to the West Coast, according to a report published by Lindys Sports on Aug. 8, 2026. Despite claiming the NBA Championship in 2023 and featuring three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, Denver’s front office faces mounting pressure to keep pace in a loaded Western Conference alongside contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Proposed Trade Package for Stephen Curry
According to the Lindys Sports report, the foundation of the trade sends Jamal Murray to Golden State in exchange for Stephen Curry. Because Curry commands a $62.6 million salary for the upcoming season compared to Murray’s $50.1 million, additional roster movement is required to balance the books under league rules.
The proposed transaction also routes Cameron Johnson and his $23 million expiring salary to Denver, while the Nuggets would take back Moses Moody and his $12.5 million salary from the Warriors. Rookie Trevon Brazile and his $1.4 million salary would additionally head to Golden State alongside Denver’s remaining available draft picks and pick swaps.
Did you know? Total money moving from Golden State to Denver would equal $75.1 million, while Denver sends back $74.5 million, meaning a third team may need to enter the deal to satisfy league salary-matching requirements.
Projecting Denver’s Lineup With Stephen Curry
If the transaction goes through, the Nuggets starting five would feature Stephen Curry at point guard, Christian Braun at shooting guard, Peyton Watson at small forward, Aaron Gordon at power forward, and Nikola Jokic at center. The bench unit would feature Spencer Jones, Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, DaRon Holmes, Marvin Bagley III, Tyus Jones, Lonnie Walker IV, and Moses Moody.
To finalize this configuration, the franchise would need to re-sign restricted free agent swingman Peyton Watson, pushing the organization deep into the second apron of the luxury tax. Pairing Curry with Jokic would unite two top-10 players in the NBA, providing Jokic with an elite-caliber backcourt partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What players are involved in the proposed Curry-to-Denver trade?
The proposal centers on trading Jamal Murray for Stephen Curry, with Cameron Johnson, Moses Moody, Trevon Brazile, and various draft picks rounding out the salary requirements.
How do Curry and Murray’s salaries compare for the upcoming season?
Stephen Curry is set to make $62.6 million, while Jamal Murray is slated to make $50.1 million.
Would the Nuggets need to involve a third team?
Yes, because the outgoing and incoming player salaries do not cleanly offset, a third franchise likely needs to participate to legalize the financial exchange.
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