An NBA legend believes that the perfect Jokic co-star plays for the Heat

With the Denver Nuggets stuck in the middle of the pack in the Western Conference standings, rumors have persisted that they may look to make a big deal to give their superstar, Nikola Jokic, help.

That will be easier said than done with the Nuggets over the first tax apron and having only four remaining picks in their stockpile. They could include their 2031 first-round pick, which would be very viable to an interested team. But they will have to find a worthy co-star who can help move the needle and give Jokic some much-needed help.

NBA legend Paul Pierce believes he knows just the player. Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is believed to be available, and Pierce thinks that he would be the perfect fit playing alongside Jokic.

While Butler may be available, he probably isn't the best fit with the Nuggets, who already struggle to shoot enough from outside. Butler doesn't rely on threes; instead, he often operates out of the mid-range.

To match salaries in a potential Butler trade, the Nuggets would have to part with Michael Porter Jr. as well as Zeke Nnaji. While getting rid of Nnaj's contract and turning that into a multi-time All-Star would be a big upgrade, also moving on from Porter, who was one of their best shooters, would create fit issues in Denver.

Should the Denver Nuggets consider trading for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler?

While Jokic could use all of the help that he can get, Butler's fit in Denver would be questionable at best. Even if the move were done to clear out the long-term salary of Porter Jr. and Nnaji's deals by getting Butler on a rental for half a season, that probably makes the Nuggets worse.

Several of Denver's rotation players are low-volume 3-point shooters, including Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook, and adding Butler while subtracting Porter Jr. could hurt their spacing. On the other hand, they would have two players known for coming up big in the postseason, Jamal Murray and Butler, to support Jokic.

However, there is arguably more risk in doing this deal than, say, trading for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine. At least with LaVine, he is a talented shooter and would give the Nuggets another offensive weapon. His contract is far uglier than Butler's, but he would make for a better fit and is seven years younger.

Trading Porter Jr. and Nnaji for him would more than offset his contract and possibly bolster the Nuggets' already top-10 offense. Ultimately, the Nuggets shouldn't have an interest in Butler when there are other options that make better sense.