The Denver Nuggets are entering a pivotal offseason, one that could shape the future of their championship aspirations centered around MVP-caliber big man Nikola Jokic.
At the heart of their offseason plans lies the crucial task of hiring the right general manager – a decision that will set the tone for a series of consequential roster moves.
This offseason isn’t just about plugging holes; it’s about strategic navigation through financial constraints and long-term planning.
According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, one of the most pressing factors influencing Denver’s decision-making will be their continued efforts to stay clear of the NBA’s punitive second tax apron.
Last offseason, this fiscal caution led them to let veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope walk in free agency, and Durando suggests that the front office is unlikely to reverse course this summer.
With contract extensions for core players Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray set to take effect, and Jokic eligible for another extension in July, the Nuggets’ financial flexibility is even more restricted.
Although the team does have the ability to combine salaries to facilitate a trade and still holds one tradable future first-round draft pick, leveraging those assets comes with risks.
The Nuggets’ lack of bench production during the past season underscored the importance of depth, meaning that trading multiple players for one higher-impact name could backfire by further depleting their rotation.
Extension decisions loom for young wings Christian Braun and Peyton Watson. While Watson may not be a top priority just yet and could be viewed as a player still in development, Braun’s situation is quite different.
After emerging as a consistent starter and finishing among the top five in this season’s Most Improved Player voting, Braun has proven his value and will likely be a key name to watch as the team considers its long-term core.
Veteran guard Russell Westbrook also holds a player option for the upcoming season. Though his role fluctuated throughout the year, Westbrook brought stability to the lineup at critical moments, particularly when injuries kept Aaron Gordon sidelined.
His future with the team remains uncertain, but it could play into how Denver manages its guard depth.
Durando highlights several key areas in need of reinforcement this summer: backup center options, stronger on-ball perimeter defenders, and improved three-point shooting.
While the Nuggets have reportedly shown interest in Ty Jerome as a potential fit, questions remain about whether his skill set and health, combined with Denver’s tight financial situation, make him a viable addition.
Finally, Durando raises a provocative possibility: should the Nuggets consider trading one of their big-name pieces, Jamal Murray or Michael Porter Jr., in exchange for another star-level talent who might better align with their strategic needs?
It’s a high-stakes question, but one that underscores just how complex and consequential this offseason could be for a team looking to remain in the championship conversation.
Nuggets Notes: Offseason, Jokic, Malone https://t.co/n3wVgynMjv pic.twitter.com/BprDUKPkFE
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 24, 2025
