As the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline draws near, the 15-11 Denver Nuggets are trying to bolster their lineup. Center Nikola Jokić is in the running for his fourth MVP award, and he is easily the best player in the world. However, the Nuggets’ core has simply not been able to provide him the support he needs.

NBA trade rumors have linked Denver to Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler and Jordan Clarkson. All of those players would likely bolster the Nuggets’ title hopes, but none of them have a personal connection to Jokić. 

According to recent reports, the Nuggets have pivoted and are aiming for someone who will keep their best player happy.

“The Nuggets have recently checked in with the Hawks on Bogdan Bogdanović,” posted Forbes’ Evan Sidery on Monday. “Denver continues to be an active team in the marketplace, which includes Michael Porter Jr. as a potential trade chip.”

Bogdanović spent the first part of the season out with injury and is averaging 11.3 points per game for the Atlanta Hawks this season. 

Jokić and  Bogdanović played on the Serbian national team at the 2016 Olympics, the 2019 FIBA World Cup and recently at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.  Bogdanović is personal friends with Denver’s best player, and the pair won bronze in Paris, silver in Rio, and came in fifth in their FIBA outing.

In order to make a deal for  Bogdanović, the Nuggets would likely have to part ways with Michael Porter Jr., although his younger age makes him an attractive target for Atlanta to pursue. 

More NBA: Christmas matchup between Spurs and Knicks personal for All-NBA superstar