“NBA scouts and executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe Denver should try and dangle Porter Jr. to make a run at Miami’s Jimmy Butler, despite Heat executive Pat Riley publicly denying that Butler will be traded before the deadline,” wrote HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto on Tuesday.

Jimmy Butler remained away from the team Friday as the Miami Heat flew to Atlanta for Saturday’s second stop on their three-game trip, now to also miss the team’s next two games in his recovery from what has been described as a flu-like illness.