Former NBA champ predicts trade that Nikola Jokic and Denver Nuggets need

Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets have made a strong start to the season. However, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins wants to see them take their game to another level with the addition of a rival player.

On Saturday, Perkins wished for the Nuggets to pair Jokic with Sacramento Kings' De'Aaron Fox.

"Fox is very sly in his approach and rightfully so! He’s been nothing short of spectacular for a subpar roster, bringing the excitement back to Sac," Perkins tweeted.

"Since we are in the holiday spirit, all I want for Christmas is Fox and Jokic as a 1 -2 punch! Carry the hell on!"

Nikola Jokic is once again putting up MVP numbers. Pairing him alongside Fox, who is having a spectacular season with the Kings, will make them a formidable duo in the West.

De'Aaron Fox is averaging 26.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Jokic is averaging 31.0 points, 13.0 rebounds and 9.8 assists while shooting 56.4% from the field.

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Nikola Jokic voted 2024-25 NBA MVP in ESPN straw poll

Nikola Jokic has been one of the most dominant players in the league this season. His season averages have him close to a triple-double and as a result, he finds himself topping ESPN's MVP straw poll list.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) dribbles the ball during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen- Imagn

According to Tim Bontemps on Friday's episode of "The Hoop Collective," Jokic led all players in the poll with 57 first-place votes. Also, he had his name on all 100 ballots cast and returned.

Jokic is ranked second in points per game, second in assists per game and third in rebounds per game. If he finishes the season with a triple-double average, he will become the third player in NBA history to achieve that feat.