The entire NBA is buzzing over Paul Pierce’s crazy trade proposal specifically for the Nuggets and Jokic!

In the wake of the Denver Nuggets’ early playoff exit, questions have swirled around the team’s supporting cast for Nikola Jokic. While the two-time MVP continues to perform at an elite level, many analysts believe he needs more reliable help to contend for another NBA title. Paul Pierce, a former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, is the latest to offer his solution—and it’s a bold one.

Pierce believes the Nuggets should trade for DeMar DeRozan, asserting that the veteran wing would be a massive upgrade over Michael Porter Jr. and give Jokic the kind of dependable veteran support needed to make another title run.

The Nuggets’ Early Exit and Lingering Questions

The Denver Nuggets shocked many NBA fans when they were eliminated in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs by the surging Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite Nikola Jokic’s brilliance, the Nuggets struggled to generate consistent offense when he wasn’t directly involved in every play.

Michael Porter Jr., often expected to serve as the team’s third scoring option, failed to make a significant impact. His inconsistent shooting and limited playmaking placed even more pressure on Jokic and Jamal Murray.

This lack of offensive depth and reliability is exactly what Paul Pierce believes Denver must address.

Paul Pierce Knows the Importance of a Strong Supporting Cast

As someone who spent the early part of his career carrying the Celtics with little help, Paul Pierce knows firsthand how difficult it is to win without a capable supporting cast. When Boston brought in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in 2007, it changed everything—culminating in a championship in their first season together.

Speaking on the situation in Denver, Pierce drew a parallel between his own experience and Jokic’s current dilemma:

“For the next five years, if you got the best player, you got to put some pieces [around him]… I feel like if they had a DeMar DeRozan with that team right now, with Joker, he don’t need to be the best player or the second-best player every night.”

This insight carries weight. Pierce understands that Jokic’s greatness can carry a team, but even a player of his caliber needs consistent help.

Why DeMar DeRozan Makes Sense for the Nuggets

DeRozan, a six-time NBA All-Star, remains one of the league’s most underrated scorers and mid-range specialists. While he may not be the elite-level star he once was, his ability to score efficiently, facilitate offense, and provide veteran leadership makes him an appealing fit next to Jokic.

Pierce elaborated:

“He is going to give you more than what Michael Porter Jr. gave you. You know what I’m saying? If he comes out there and gives you a solid 15 [points], and on a good night gives you a [double-double assists and rebounds of] five, which he can do, that’s who I would target.”

DeRozan’s scoring consistency, combined with his ball-handling and passing, would allow the Nuggets to diversify their offensive attack. His ability to create his own shot, especially in crunch time, could be invaluable during the playoffs.

Michael Porter Jr.’s Inconsistencies

While Michael Porter Jr. has all the tools—size, athleticism, shooting touch—his inconsistency has been a major source of frustration. His defensive lapses, combined with his streaky shooting, have often left the Nuggets vulnerable.

During the 2025 playoffs, Porter Jr. averaged just 12.5 points per game, shooting a meager 30% from three. Those numbers are simply not good enough for a player expected to be the team’s third option.

With Jokic and Murray already shouldering much of the offensive load, the Nuggets can’t afford another unreliable option. That’s why Pierce’s call for DeRozan has resonated with fans and analysts alike.

A Possible Trade: What Would It Take?

So, what would it take for the Nuggets to land DeMar DeRozan?

Currently, DeRozan is on an expiring contract, which gives his team—whether it’s Chicago or another club—leverage in a sign-and-trade scenario. Denver could look to offer a package centered around Michael Porter Jr., potentially including draft compensation or young talent like Peyton Watson or Julian Strawther.

From a salary standpoint, Porter Jr. makes around $33 million per year, which aligns closely with what DeRozan could command in a new deal. The key difference would be the contract length and flexibility. DeRozan may prefer a short-term, win-now deal, while Porter Jr. still has several years left on his deal.

The Nuggets’ front office, led by GM Calvin Booth, would need to consider if this short-term move makes sense for their championship window.

Would DeRozan Thrive in Denver’s System?

Absolutely. DeRozan’s offensive IQ is tailor-made for the Nuggets’ ball-movement-heavy, unselfish system. With Jokic as the league’s best passing big man, DeRozan wouldn’t need to dominate the ball. Instead, he could work the mid-range, attack closeouts, and initiate offense when Murray sits.

In many ways, DeRozan could fill a role similar to that of Bruce Brown during Denver’s 2023 title run—but with even more offensive upside.

Additionally, DeRozan is an underrated playmaker. He averaged over 5 assists per game in each of the last four seasons, proving that he can act as a secondary ball-handler when needed. That kind of flexibility would be a huge benefit for the Nuggets’ second unit.

The Clock Is Ticking for Denver’s Title Window

With Nikola Jokic in his prime and Jamal Murray approaching 30, the Nuggets’ championship window is very much now. While they’ve already won a title together in 2023, the team must continue to evolve and improve if it wants to keep up with rising powers like the Thunder, Timberwolves, and a potentially reloaded Warriors or Lakers.

Standing pat with Michael Porter Jr. may not be enough. That’s where a veteran scorer like DeRozan comes into play. He could be the difference between another disappointing second-round exit and a second NBA title in three years.

Pierce’s Take Is Gaining Momentum

Though some may dismiss Paul Pierce’s trade suggestion as “just another hot take,” his reasoning is solid. More and more analysts are beginning to agree:

ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins noted that the Nuggets “need someone with playoff poise.”
Brian Windhorst floated the idea that Denver might “shake things up” in free agency.
Fans on social media are buzzing with trade ideas, with #DeRozanToDenver trending in some circles.

Whether or not it happens, Pierce’s suggestion has lit a fire under the discussion about what Denver should do next.

Final Thoughts: Is DeRozan the Missing Piece for Jokic?

The Denver Nuggets have a generational talent in Nikola Jokic, but as Paul Pierce said, “if you have the best player, you must put pieces around him.” DeMar DeRozan may not be a superstar anymore, but he could be the smart, veteran addition that unlocks another level for this team.

If Denver is serious about getting back to the Finals, this summer could be the perfect time to make a bold move. And if Pierce is right, DeRozan might just be the perfect fit.