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Celtics' Legend Claims Nuggets Are Best Landing Spot for Heat Superstar Forward

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 2:56 PM ET

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, trade rumors have begun to run wild over the past week.

One player who has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the season is the Miami Heat’s superstar forward, Jimmy Butler. Butler is signed through the 2025-26 campaign, but he can opt out of his contract and become a restricted free agent next summer. With many executives believing he will elect free agency, the Heat might deal him away this season so that they do not lose him for nothing.

According to a recent report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Heat are open to the idea of moving Butler this season. Charania also reported that his desired landing spots include the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.

While these teams are the frontrunners to land the six-time All-Star, Boston Celtics’ legend, Paul Pierce, believes that a different Western Conference team would be the best fit for Butler.

“The best fit for Jimmy Butler would probably be the Denver Nuggets,” Pierce said on a recent episode of Fox Sports 1’s Speak. “I think you're going to be seeing him & [Nikola Jokić] raise another championship trophy, if they don't have to play the Celtics.”

Pierce also mentioned that just because a player has a desired landing spot, it does not always work out in their favor. He referred to the Damian Lillard saga a few years ago that saw Dame be traded to the Milwaukee Bucks despite wanting to play for the Heat.

While the Nuggets can make a move for Butler, do not expect it to happen. They would have to include Michael Porter Jr., who has been Denver’s second-best player behind Jokić this season. The Nuggets have also struggled this season after being a title favorite, and they may not want to risk losing Butler to free agency next summer if the two sides are unable to work out an extension.

Butler would fit well next to Jokić and would give Denver’s roster another great scorer and defender. If they were able to pull off this trade, they would improve their title odds, but they also might cost themselves in the future.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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