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West Contender Named 'Best Fit' For Heat's Jimmy Butler By Paul Pierce

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Brooks | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 9:37 AM ET

The NBA season is now more than a quarter of the way completed. That's enough of a sample size for teams to know what they might be looking like and what roster moves they could make.

The Miami Heat are reportedly opening up to the idea of trading Jimmy Butler and will begin to start taking calls regarding his availability. The Heat superstar is in the second year of his three-year, $146 million contract. He's got a player option this offseason, and he wants a long-term extension.

If Miami is unwilling, it could make sense for Butler to be traded so the club doesn't lose a talent like him for free.

"This is about business. When you start talking about the business side of the game, where Jimmy Butler's left with one year left on this contract. He desires for an extension, which Pat Riley hasn't given him yet; he's looking to go somewhere else," Pierce said.

.@paulpierce34: The best fit for Jimmy Butler to me is the Denver Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/oV0OUFt8Uo
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) December 10, 2024

Who is the "best fit" for Butler's services? According to Pierce, a Hall of Fame forward, the Denver Nuggets would be the best team to trade for Butler.

"...If I had to guess, if I had to put my GM cap on, the best fit for Jimmy Butler would probably be the Denver Nuggets. I think they need another go-to guy to help 'Joker' out," Pierce concluded.

The Nuggets are currently 12-10 despite Jokic having a career season for the club. He's won three of the last four MVP trophies, yet he's having a career season -- and it's virtually being wasted. He needs help, and the Nuggets should go all in on building another contender during Jokic's prime.

Butler has yet to win a championship, but it's clear he elevates his play with the arrival of the postseason and has willed his team to the NBA Finals on two different occasions.

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

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