I gotta say. I'm a bit surprised we haven't been talking more about Jimmy Butler. For a Nuggets team that needs a veteran, a defender, and a hard nosed competitor that can will us to some playoff victories, we're not getting better than Jimmy.

I know what the rebuttals will be. Denver has such good chemistry right now. Let the team grow together. These guys are really on the potential bubble. This is the year we break into the playoffs. Don't sacrifice young talent for small present success.

So here's the case for Butler. A top 14 player according to ESPN's player rankings. Jokic is 12th. An excellent, hard-nosed defender. A competitor that can back up his drive. A flat winner. He can coincide with Jokic. He's top five in ESPN RPM, just ahead of Jokic. In other words, he's a bonafide star, a winner and a veteran. Did I mention he plays the 3 position, Denver's area of need?

Trade Machine says Butler Dieng for Millsap, Lyles and Porter works. It's a high price but one that probably takes Denver to the WCF's. Another trade that works is Butler for Plumlee, Beasley, Lyles and Porter Jr. Now I doubt either of those even gets the conversation started with Minnesota, but who knows.

A starting five of Murray, Harris, Butler, Millsap and Jokic is a top 3 team in the NBA with a little luck. If we could get that lineup, it's worth the price.