Jimmy Butler to Denver Nuggets might be a shock for many given their NBA Finals history but the Miami Heat forward joining the Western Conference might be the one that makes sense for both parties.
This, however, will involve Denver letting go of their center pieces.
NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor cited two huge reasons why the Nuggets should go after the 35-year-old star.
First is shot creation.
Denver is already last in 3-point attempts and would sacrifice even more shooting, so trading MPJ for Butler might solve one problem while creating another. But Denver’s offensive rating craters to 94.9 in minutes without Nikola Jokić on the floor. No one available could better offer a spark than Butler. And maybe Jamal Murray, who’s ineligible to be traded this season, could thrive off-ball in MPJ’s vacated spots, leaving Butler to take on more playmaking responsibilities.
Nikola Jokic has been sensational this season, producing numbers beyond comprehension. However, his numbers can’t even take them to the Top 4 of the conference standings.
This is because of inconsistency in the supporting cast. Jamal Murray is in and out of the line-up while MPJ is struggling.
Jimmy Butler can free up MPJ contract
Another reason, according to O’Connor, why the Nuggets should take the Heat star has something to do with Porter Jr.’s contract.
This one makes it more attractive for the front office.
Denver’s repeater tax headaches loom next season. Moving MPJ’s $30-plus million contract could be an inevitability, so moving him might not just be about basketball but also about the books. If Butler is viewed as a short-term rental in a title push, the move makes even more sense.
Right now, there are no words yet if the Nuggets are indeed interested. Only a few analysts and former NBA players suggest this.
Even Butler’s agent is debunking reports about his client, even calling out Shams Charania who was the first to break the news.
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