Speculation around Jimmy Butler’s uncertain future in Miami is growing, and the Denver Nuggets could emerge as a potential destination for the six-time NBA All-Star.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggested a major trade scenario that would create a new Big Three in Denver, teaming Butler with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
In this proposed deal:
– Denver Nuggets would receive: Jimmy Butler and Alec Burks
– Miami Heat would receive: Michael Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Zeke Nnaji, and a 2031 first-round pick swap.
Bailey noted that this trade could be on the table if both teams have slow starts, leading to Butler becoming frustrated in Miami.
Why the Nuggets Should Go All-in for Jimmy Butler?
This trade would impact the Nuggets’ depth, but Butler’s star power and playoff-proven toughness would more than make up for it.
Bailey sees Butler as an ideal complement to Jokic, arguably the best passing big man in NBA history, which could counteract the loss of Porter’s 3-point shooting.
“Michael Porter Jr. is eight years younger than Butler, and losing his three-point shooting would be a legitimate concern. Denver ended the 2023-24 season ranked 25th in made threes.
But there’s no player better suited to capitalize on Butler’s cutting and slashing than Jokic. Their two-man game would be unstoppable, offering the Nuggets another late-game option alongside the Jokic-Jamal Murray duo,” Bailey stated.
Though Butler hasn’t played more than 64 games in the past three seasons, which frustrated Heat president Pat Riley, he remains a consistent playoff performer—something the Nuggets could have used last postseason.
With Butler and Murray as two of the league’s top clutch performers, the Nuggets would be in prime position to avoid a repeat of last season’s Game 7 loss to the Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.
Michael Porter’s Playoff Struggles Haunt Nuggets
Porter is coming off a disappointing end to his fifth NBA season.
The Nuggets swingman’s play in their second-round loss sharply contrasted with his impressive performance in their first-round victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
After dominating the Lakers with averages of 22.8 points and 8.4 rebounds, Porter Jr. struggled against the stingy defense of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which limited him to just 11.3 points and 5.4 rebounds.
“There were many things we could’ve done differently as a team,” Porter said following their Game 7 defeat to the Timberwolves. “But I know if I had done my part, we would’ve won the series. That’s something I have to live with.”
Porter acknowledged that personal issues weighed on him but didn’t want to use them as an excuse for his subpar play.
“I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t a burden or that it wasn’t constantly on my mind,” Porter admitted after the Nuggets’ second-round exit. “But that’s no excuse. I’m a better player than I showed in this series. I’m a better shooter than I demonstrated. In the NBA, you’ve got to separate your off-court issues from your on-court performance.”
Two of Porter’s brothers were embroiled in scandals — Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for gambling violations, while Coban Porter was sentenced to six years in prison for a fatal DUI crash last year.
Jontay Porter pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy on July 10 and was released on a $250,000 bond.
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