The Denver Nuggets were “adamantly against” trading Jamal Murray for Kyrie Irving back in 2017 when Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN.
The Nuggets and Cavaliers had trade talks centered around Irving, but Denver did not want to give up Murray.
“Among those players was Kyrie Irving after he requested a trade from the Cavaliers in the summer of 2017, sources have said,” Lowe wrote. “The Nuggets were adamantly against it. They never stopped believing Murray could develop into a star — the perfect point guard next to Nikola Jokic.”
The Nuggets clearly made the right move by keeping Murray, who helped the franchise win the 2023 championship over the Miami Heat. Meanwhile, Irving has bounced around since requesting a trade from the Cavaliers and hasn’t gotten past the second round of the postseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jamal Murray, Kyrie Irving, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Murray was incredible for the Nuggets in the 2023 playoffs. He averaged 26.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 20 games versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and Heat. The Kentucky product put up 21.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 10.0 assists per game in the Finals.
Murray missed all of last season recovering from an ACL tear. While he had some doubts about whether he could come back and be the same explosive player, Murray never stopped working for the Nuggets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jamal Murray, Kyrie Irving, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
“I have to say that I had my doubts as well,” Murray said. “It’s just natural. Somebody asked me about butterflies. That’s what makes you alive. That’s what makes you care. When you doubt yourself, that’s what makes you try to find a way to turn it around. In whatever sport, in whatever injury, in whatever career you’re in, when you go through adversity, it’s how you envision and visualize yourself at the end of it.”
The Nuggets have a bright future with Murray and Nikola Jokic leading the way.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
