Nikola Jokic just became the recipient of his second consecutive NBA MVP award. He led his Denver Nuggets to 48 wins with a remarkably thin supporting cast.

Imagine what he could have done with some help.

Granted, the Nuggets were depleted. Jamal Murray was injured for the entire year. Michael Porter Jr. joined him on the sidelines near the beginning of 2021-22. The team was generally a shell of what it could have been.

In all likelihood, they’ll opt to bring those two back with minimal roster changes. There’s logic in that: why go hunting for stars when you’ve got two waiting in the wings?

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal Could Team Up With Nets’ Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving?

We can think of several reasons. Firstly, Porter Jr.’s health appears to be a long-term concern. He may be better suited to a rebuilding team that can afford to grant him the patience he needs.

Second, more stars, as a rule, are better than fewer. Here are two trades that land star shooting guard Bradley Beal on the Denver Nuggets.