Denver Nuggets Rumors: Nuggets exploring Jrue Holiday trade, Gary Harris and Malik Beasley could exit and more

The Denver Nuggets came within one game of reaching the 2019 Western Conference Finals, and with a 34-16 record so far this season, Michael Malone's team are once again among the contenders. Since the turn of the year, the Nuggets have picked up big wins over the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and LA Clippers - and in Nikola Jokic, they also have one of the NBA's most dominant players.

Nevertheless, the Nuggets still face plenty of competition to advance from a loaded Western Conference - and the team is expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday. So, with incomings and outgoings possible, here we will take a look at all the latest Denver rumors you need to know.

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#1 Jrue Holiday is a trade target

Jrue Holiday could complete a trade away from the New Orleans Pelicans this week

While the Nuggets are in contention in the West, there is no doubting that the team lacks the star quality that both the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers can call upon. The Denver front office is not known for pulling off big midseason trades, although Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the Nuggets are interested in New Orleans guard Jrue Holiday:

Denver and Miami are among interested teams in Holiday and several others are expected to emerge, according to sources. Multiple teams told The Athletic that the Pelicans are listening to trade calls for anyone on the roster, but their asking price remains high on Holiday.

Holiday was drafted 17th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009 and spent four seasons with the team before being traded to the Pelicans in 2013. During his time in New Orleans, Holiday has established himself as a borderline All-Star and is widely viewed as one of the most consistent guards in the West. He has played 41 times this season, averaging 19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.7 steals per contest.

#2 Nuggets have 'no intention' of trading Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. was excellent for the Nuggets throughout January

Michael Porter Jr. has recently put his injury troubles aside to establish himself as a significant part of Denver's rotation, and the 21-year-enjoyed a particularly strong January. While the Nuggets remain in the market for upgrades this week, Mike Singer of the Denver Post is reporting that they won't consider trading Porter as they view him as a key part of the future:

As Thursday’s trade deadline inches closer, one name the Nuggets have no intention of dealing is rookie Michael Porter Jr., according to a person familiar with the situation. Internally, he’s viewed as the type of player who could significantly elevate Denver’s ceiling.

The Nuggets selected Porter with the 14th overall pick back in 2018, although the Missouri native sat out the entire 2018-19 season due to injuries. Nevertheless, he has made 39 appearances so far this season and is coming off the best month of his career so far. Throughout January, Porter played 15 times, averaging 12.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per contest.

#3 Gary Harris and Malik Beasley are available for trade

Gary Harris has been made available for trade by the Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets currently possess one of the most stacked rosters in the West and Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix is reporting that the team is open to offloading Gary Harris and Malik Beasley ahead of Thursday's deadline:

Denver has made Gary Harris very available, and would part with Malik Beasley, too.

Harris was selected 19th overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls but was traded to the Pacers on draft night. A regular starter since the 2015-16 season, Harris has made 41 appearances so far this season, averaging 10.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per contest.

Meanwhile, the Nuggets selected Beasley with the 19th overall pick of the 2016 NBA draft - and the shooting guard has established himself as one of Denver's most important reserve options over the last 18 months. He has made 40 appearances from the bench this season, averaging 1.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.