Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman outlined the team’s strategic offseason moves as the franchise enters its 50th NBA season. Speaking about the front office’s approach, Adelman said the roster was assembled with careful consideration of how each piece complements the core led by Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon.
The Nuggets parted ways with Michael Porter Jr., trading him and a future first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson, a sharpshooter expected to boost floor spacing. They also sent Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, addressing their need for a more dependable backup in the paint.
In addition to the trades, Denver signed Bruce Brown, a member of their 2023 championship team, on a one-year deal. Brown’s return brings defensive versatility and familiarity to the locker room. The Nuggets also added veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to strengthen their backcourt and provide scoring depth off the bench.
Adelman highlighted the collaborative effort behind the decisions. “We were trying to find pieces that fit — not just names that people knew,” Adelman said, noting how each acquisition aligns with the culture established over the years.
The coach also revealed that the team’s leaders have already embraced the changes. Adelman said Jokic, Murray, and Gordon are “excited” about the new-look squad and feel reinvigorated heading into the season. “Sometimes you need that. You need a little bit of change, and this change is a good change,” he added.
After a turbulent spring that saw the departures of former head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, Denver’s focus has shifted to stabilizing the franchise and competing for another deep playoff run.
Last season, the Nuggets fell in the Western Conference semifinals to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games.
