If the Miami Heat plan to wash their hands with Jimmy Butler, they must do so before the upcoming Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Swapping their disgruntled superstar for a thriving Denver Nuggets wing may be the most logical move for the franchise.
“The issue is the deal (Jimmy Butler to the Nuggets) would have to include Michael Porter Jr, who has played great for the Nuggets,” The Wrightway Sports Network’s Marissa Myers wrote Monday.
“Yet if Denver wants to maximize the roster while (Nikola) Jokic is still in his prime, they have to go all in on surrounding him with another star player.”
“For Jamal Murray, he was just extended, so he can’t be traded, but while he has improved his play as of late, his inconsistencies raise concern as to if this level of play is sustainable or if the issues of his inefficiencies shooting the ball accurately will return when the team needs him the most.”
Due to Jokic and Murray’s valuable pick-and-roll partnership and awe-inspiring offensive firepower, Porter doesn’t receive the appropriate recognition as the Nuggets’ third leading scorer.
However, it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest Denver wouldn’t be 10 games above .500 without Porter’s consistent play on the hardwood.
Porter, an engaged off-ball threat whose long-range jumper is considered a layup to many, averages 18.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest on 51.4% field goal shooting and 40.9% three-point shooting.
Since making his NBA debut with the Nuggets in 2019, the Missouri product has exhibited what it means to be a three-point specialist in the big leagues, shooting above 38% from deep on five occasions.
While Porter’s resume may not be comparable to Butler’s, the Heat could benefit from acquiring an established veteran who’s found his niche.
All signs point to the Heat trading Butler, and Denver could be looking to shop Porter around, making Myers’ compelling idea worth exploring.
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