Paul Pierce suggests trade to support Nikola Jokic as a way to strengthen the Denver Nuggets’ roster following their disappointing second-round playoff exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Speaking recently, Pierce emphasized the need for a stronger supporting cast around Jokic to enhance the team‘s championship prospects.
Paul Pierce Proposes Adding DeMar DeRozan to Strengthen Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets face challenges in improving their supporting lineup this offseason, with limited assets available for upgrades. On the show Ticket & The Truth, Paul Pierce offered a pragmatic recommendation aimed at providing the Nuggets with a cost-effective boost around their star player.
“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. 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.”
—Paul Pierce
Pierce highlighted that while Jokic remains the focal point, DeRozan could provide consistent scoring and solid production without the pressure of being the top option. His ability to reliably contribute around 15 points per game, along with capable playmaking and rebounding, might be a better fit than other available wings such as Michael Porter Jr.
DeRozan Trade Seen as Viable Move Amid Front Office Changes
With the Sacramento Kings undergoing recent changes in their front office, acquiring DeRozan may be less complicated and thus attainable for Denver this offseason. This potential trade aligns with the Nuggets’ need for dependable veterans and smooth offensive flow alongside Jokic.
Such an acquisition would mirror the kind of strategic roster enhancement Paul Pierce experienced in his own career. After struggling early on, Pierce’s Celtics were strengthened with the addition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, which instantly propelled the team to a championship.
Impact of Supportive Teammates on Nikola Jokic’s Success
Paul Pierce’s insights reflect a broader understanding of how elite players like Jokic require complementary players to maximize their effectiveness. The right supporting cast reduces the burden on a superstar, enabling more balanced offensive and defensive outputs that can translate into deeper playoff runs.
The Nuggets’ quest to surround Jokic with reliable secondary scorers remains a central focus, with DeRozan’s experience and skill set providing one plausible solution to fill this gap.
Nuggets Fans Await Next Chapter as Season Approaches
As the offseason progresses, the Denver Nuggets and their supporters look forward to seeing how the team will respond to last year’s early playoff disappointment. Paul Pierce’s suggestion offers a hopeful direction that, if implemented, could reshape the team’s championship trajectory.
The coming months will reveal whether Denver can finalize a deal, potentially bringing in DeRozan as a key piece to elevate Nikoka Jokic’s championship aspirations. Meanwhile, speculation about significant announcements regarding Jokic continues, with Serbia Basketball reportedly anticipating news that could affect his future.