The Nuggets are on fire. They have started the new year with two wins in three games and currently rank fourth in the West standings. Their latest win came against the Spurs in overtime, thanks to Nikola Jokic’s 46-point double-double performance. Sure enough, they would hope to carry that momentum to tonight’s Celtics encounter. But that might prove to be a massive challenge, especially after Michael Malone’s concerning update about The Joker’s health.

Unfortunately, Nikola Jokic might not suit up tonight, as he remains questionable. The reason? An illness.

As per Malone, the Serbian big fell sick yesterday and is in worse condition today. Obviously, that is a massive blow to the Denver team because Jokic has clearly been their best player, averaging 31.5 points and thirteen rebounds. And he is only 0.3 assists shy of averaging a triple-double! Goes to show how much he does for his team.

Of course, tonight is a highly-anticipated battle, as they are the two most recent NBA Champions. But facing an elite team like the C’s without Jokic might not work in the Nuggets’ favor. More so because they are already dealing with Aaron Gordon’s absence, who has been out with a calf injury. And the hoopster will not play tonight as well.

Well, Aaron Gordon has begun partial participation in practice and is on his way to a complete recovery, but there is still time before he returns to action. He is likely to be doubtful for tomorrow’s back-to-back encounter against the Clippers. However, if Jokic joins AG on the sidelines, Zeke Nnaji and DeAndre Jordan are likely to see a significant increase in their playing time. But it will be difficult for them to match Joker’s impact. Maybe, that’s why they are desperately scouring the trade market for another star.

Denver Nuggets emerge as potential suitors for Bradley Beal amid Nikola Jokic’s sudden illness

It’s clear that the Nuggets need a big-name player to pair alongside Jokic for another title pursuit. Although the role was previously filled by Jamal Murray, he has not been consistent this season and is averaging only 19.4 points, his lowest in the last four years. Well, their search might be over, as a report by veteran analyst John Gambadoro reveals that Bradley Beal might be willing to waive his no-trade clause for the Nuggets, among other teams.

Of course, Beal has been in trade rumors for quite some time, but holds the power to decide his fate, thanks to the rare clause. Well, he could waive it to be a part of a title-contending team like the Nuggets. His joining forces with Jokic would definitely boost everyone’s chances of winning. But there is one major problem. Beal’s $50.2 million salary!

Obviously, the Nuggets would be required to give up some key assets, maybe even their secondary stars, to make room for Beal’s salary. And that might be a huge risk considering he is averaging only 18.1 points this season and is injury prone.

But if the Denver Nuggets want to make an upgrade, they do not have many options before the February deadline. Do you think they should make an offer to the Phoenix Suns?