Nuggets weigh Aaron Gordon trade

Jun 15, 2026 2:46 AM

The Denver Nuggets are expected to explore several roster moves this offseason as they look to create enough financial flexibility to retain Peyton Watson while managing their salary-cap situation.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Denver is receiving the most trade interest in veteran forward Aaron Gordon.

However, the Nuggets are believed to be more willing to discuss deals involving Christian Braun as they search for ways to reduce payroll.

Gordon remains an important part of Denver’s core, but he is also one of the team’s highest-paid players.

The veteran forward is scheduled to earn $31.9 million next season and is owed approximately $71.5 million through the 2028-29 campaign.

His contract also includes a player option for the final year. Braun, meanwhile, recently began a five-year, $125 million extension that he signed last offseason.

He is set to earn $21.5 million during the 2026-27 season, making him another potential avenue for salary relief if Denver decides to pursue a trade.

The Nuggets currently project to sit roughly $8 million above the NBA’s second tax apron, a threshold that carries significant roster-building restrictions.

As a result, the front office is expected to make multiple moves aimed at reducing payroll.

One likely step involves either waiving or trading Jonas Valanciunas, along with several smaller cost-cutting transactions.

However, those moves alone may not be enough to create the flexibility Denver desires.

To generate additional room for a new deal with Watson and avoid sinking further into luxury-tax penalties, the Nuggets are expected to evaluate trade possibilities involving Braun or Cameron Johnson, who joined the team last season.

With Nikola Jokic’s long-term future expected to remain secure, Denver’s primary offseason challenge will be balancing financial constraints while maintaining a roster capable of competing for another championship.