The Denver Nuggets "have indeed weighed" the possibility of trading forward Michael Porter Jr., according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer.

"What began with the Nuggets exploring the feasibility of trading Porter for Paul George this past summer, before George bolted Clipperland for Philadelphia in free agency, has expanded to internal discussions this season, sources say, about whether such a step has to be considered even more strongly now in the wake of Denver's 14-11 struggles," Fischer reported.

Beyond simply moving the 26-year-old, there are ongoing discussions over what kind of trade to pursue, per Fischer. He reported a segment of the front office prefers getting "two starting-caliber players" instead of one marquee star.

This comes after The Athletic's Tony Jones and Sam Amick reported Tuesday that Denver is "canvassing the league in pursuit of a player who can offer significant help offensively." To that end, there has been a "significant" focus on Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.

Jones and Amick also wrote how "any big trade would likely involve Porter."

Through 25 games, Porter is averaging 18.4 points and 7.1 rebounds. He's a very good shooter for his size (6'10") with a career field-goal percentage of 50.0, including 40.8 from the perimeter.

Beyond the value he provides on the court, Porter's $35.9 million salary for 2024-25 would help facilitate a blockbuster trade. Guard Jamal Murray is on similar money ($36 million), but he can't be traded thanks to the timing of his $208 million extension. The same goes for forward Aaron Gordon.

If the Nuggets want to do something big before the Feb. 6 deadline, then Porter has to go. It's as simple as that.

Having such little flexibility in terms of whom he can trade might lead general manager Calvin Booth to table this idea until the offseason, absent Denver's fortunes sinking far below where they are now.

Losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals raised questions over whether the Nuggets as currently constructed have hit their peak. A 14-11 record to start this year has reinforced that narrative.

Still, watching the rest of this season unfold might be a more prudent course for the front office since it needs to make sure it has the best possible trade package when dealing a key supporting star.