Jimmy Butler could be the Nuggets' missing piece

Butler, 35, is enjoying a hot start to the season. He's averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, shooting 55.7 percent from two-point range and 36.0 percent from the perimeter. He's also bringing his patented defensive intensity to the table every time he suits up.

When looking at the Nuggets roster, it's easy to envision Butler's potential fit. He would be an ideal secondary star next to Nikola Jokic. His presence would take some of the pressure off Murray, allowing him to lean into his role as a playmaker. Furthermore, Butler would significantly upgrade the team's wing defense. 

As a contending roster, Denver shouldn't be worried about Butler's age. A short-term partnership would make sense for both sides. Whether the Nuggets would wait to acquire him in the summer, assuming he opts out of his player option, or would look to trade for him ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline would be an interesting wrinkle. Denver doesn't have much in terms of tradable assets. As such, Aaron Gordon may find himself as part of the package. 

Butler is the sort of high-level veteran the Nuggets need to re-establish themselves as genuine championship contenders. However, Denver's front office has been reluctant to make big moves in recent years, so it's hard to envision it entering the chase for Butler, should he be made available. Still, if the Nuggets want to add another championship banner, they must be open to chasing a player such as Butler; otherwise, their title window may already be closed.