The Denver Nuggets are no longer viewed as a serious option for LeBron James as the four-time NBA champion continues evaluating his next destination, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Appearing on NBA Today on Wednesday, Charania said James and agent Rich Paul are still considering multiple contenders after James informed the Los Angeles Lakers that he intends to move on. However, Denver was not among the teams identified as leading candidates.
“LeBron James, Rich Paul, they’re continuing to sift through the leading contenders, the different options, the different teams that have been pitching Rich Paul over the last week since LeBron James informed the Lakers that he’s going to be moving on elsewhere,” Charania said.
The teams that continue to stand out in discussions are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers, with Golden State remaining a possibility because of James’ relationship with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
James is reportedly prioritizing a competitive situation where he can continue playing meaningful basketball. Charania added that there is no timetable for a decision, with James currently spending time with family and friends while enjoying his offseason.
The 41-year-old forward remains a productive player after averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds in 60 games during the 2025-26 season with the Lakers. Los Angeles finished 53-29 during the regular season and reached the Western Conference semifinals before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Denver could have offered James a championship-caliber environment around Nikola Jokic, but the Nuggets have not emerged as a realistic landing spot in the current market. Denver finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 54-28 record and reached the playoffs, but lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games in the first round.
The Nuggets have also been focused on maintaining their core around Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon rather than creating a pathway for another veteran star.
Golden State remains a more prominent option because of its willingness to explore a major roster reshuffle. Draymond Green declined his $27.7 million player option to create flexibility for a potential James pursuit and possibly another star addition such as Anthony Davis.
Cleveland has gained momentum because of James’ history with the franchise and its current roster. The Cavaliers went 52-30 in 2025-26 and reached the Eastern Conference finals before losing to the eventual champion New York Knicks.
Miami also remains a strong possibility after acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee, while Philadelphia entered the conversation after adding Jaylen Brown.
