The NBA hot stove has started heating up and rumors are swirling left and right about various trade possibilities. In something of a surprise twist, the Denver Nuggets have emerged as one of the most active teams in talks around the league.
The Athletic has reported that the Nuggets have shown interest in or had preliminary trade talks about a number of players, including Zach LaVine of the Bulls, Jordan Poole of the Wizards, Jordan Clarkson of the Jazz, De’Andre Hunter of the Hawks, Cam Johnson of the Nets, and Jonas Valanciunas of the Wizards.
In a separate report that came out from ESPN’s Shams Charania, it was reported that star wing players, Jimmy Butler of the Heat and Brandon Ingram of the Pelicans are available for trade as well and may be the headliners of the deadline.
While there haven’t been any direct reports linking Butler to the Nuggets, it’s not too hard to connect some dots and imagine a trade that could send Jimmy to Denver. And there has been plenty of speculation from media members about this potential fit, including Zach Lowe and Kevin O’Connor.
Nuggets could swing a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler
Knowing that Butler is available and the Nuggets are seeking a significant upgrade makes this fit fairly seamless. Butler is 35 years old, but when he’s on the court, he’s still an elite player. He would immediately upgrade the team’s defense, giving them an elite perimeter defender they currently lack.
He would also offer a legitimate offensive hub outside of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Butler could be a solid secondary option or even run the offense in stretches. If the team is looking for a reliable two-way player and proven playoff riser who can create his own shot, they aren’t going to do better than Butler.
The potential downside to this deal lies in Butler’s age, contract situation, durability, and lack of three-point shooting ability. Butler makes $48.8 million this season and has a $52.4 million player option for next season as well. He has indicated that he would like to sign a new max contract, but so far the Heat have been unwilling to offer that deal that would take him almost to age 40.
That means the Nuggets would be required to give up Michael Porter Jr. - the team’s best current three-point shooter and likely add some draft capital as well. MPJ is almost ten years younger, a much better and higher volume three-point shooter, and has become one of the most reliable and durable players in the league.
Adding Butler would be very exciting and likely raise the team’s ceiling. But it would also shorten the team’s window and handicap their ability to make roster moves even further. It would give them more playmaking on offense, but could also ruin the Nuggets’ already cramped floor spacing.
The team would have a lot to consider before making a deal like this. The risk would be extremely high, but as this season goes on, the Nuggets are seeing that they need an upgrade to help the team compete for titles during Jokic’s prime. Butler just may be the best available option.