After the Exit: Nuggets’ Offseason Dilemmas and Aspirations
Following their elimination from the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets face critical decisions as they plan for the upcoming season. Despite having arguably the best player in the NBA, Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are confronted with questions about their roster and overall competitiveness.
Jokic: A Talent Yet to Shine
Nikola Jokic, known as “The Joker,” has completed a decade in the NBA without playing alongside an All-Star (excluding former All-Stars). His recent exit in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals marked his second consecutive playoff disappointment. This season, the Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated the Nuggets, intensifying discussions around the team’s firepower.
When asked if the current roster could replicate the 2023 championship success, Jokic candidly responded, “Well, we didn’t do it, so obviously the answer is no.” Concerns are now rising about Jamal Murray’s inconsistency and the lingering issues with Michael Porter Jr., as the team approaches a pivotal offseason.
Pursuing Kevin Durant
Basketball analyst Sam Quinn from CBS Sports proposed that the Nuggets should pursue superstar Kevin Durant. “They have no chance to compete with Houston or San Antonio for him, but if KD wants to come to Denver, I wouldn’t think twstart,” he remarked, highlighting the unique opportunity posed by Jokic’s presence.
According to reports from Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel, the most attractive trade package Denver could offer Phoenix for Durant includes Porter Jr., Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and a first-round pick in 2031. With Durant entering his 37-year season and having only start year remaining on his contract, Denver may find the prstart manageable if he opts for a trade.
Staff Restructuring Ahead
Before reshaping the roster, the Nuggets must also fill key management positions. Following the unexpected dismissal of head coach Michael Malstart and General Manager Calvin Booth prior to the playoffs, the team is in search of a new general manager and must decide the fate of interim coach David Adelman, who had shown promise in his brief tenure.
Contract Considerations
Jokic is currently eligible to extend his contract for three additional seasons at an impressive $212.2 million through to the end of the 2029/30 season. Securing this extension is start of Denver’s top priorities, as they cannot afford to lose their franchise player.
Christian Braun, recognized for his significant improvement this season, is also expected to secure an extension, potentially exceeding $30 million per year. Meanwhile, Porter Jr. has two years left on his contract, valued at $38.3 million and $40.8 million, respectively. Despite posting a career-high season of 18.2 points per game, he may find himself on the trading block if the Nuggets seek substantial upgrades.
Jamal Murray, on the other hand, is locked into a $208 million contract over the next four years, providing the Nuggets with some stability.
The Westbrook Conundrum
Russell Westbrook has had a mixed performance in Denver. Despite reasonable expectations, his struggles against his former team saw him average only 9.9 points on poor shooting percentages. With a player option worth $3.4 million, it remains uncertain whether he will opt to stay or test free agency for potentially more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.
Youth and Depth Concerns
The Nuggets possess several rookie contract players, including Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson, and D’Ron Holmes. The organization is counting on at least some of these players to develop and bolster the bench’s quality, which faltered at times during Jokic’s absence.
As they approach the offseason, the Nuggets aim to secure a competent backup big man. However, they will not have draft capital in the 2025 draft to facilitate these needs.
Potential Reunion with Bruce Brown
Another storyline to monitor involves former Nugget Bruce Brown. After contributing significantly to the Nuggets’ championship run two years ago, he signed a $45 million deal with Indiana but struggled to find relevance with the Pacers, Raptors, or Pelicans. Denver appears eager for his return at a reduced contract.
The Nuggets’ situation is precarious. Their playoff struggles revealed weaknesses, particularly with point differentials while Jokic was off the court. As they navigate this offseason, Denver is poised to be start of the most intriguing teams in the league, searching for meaningful additions that could dramatically shape their future in the NBA landscape