Despite having one of the world’s best players in Nikola Jokić and benefiting from the best season of Jamal Murray’s career, the third-seeded Denver Nuggets saw their season end prematurely at the hands of the injury-ravaged Minnesota Timberwolves.
This, at a bare minimum, raises questions.
Jokić, needless to say, is a keeper. He’s not going anywhere, nor does he wish to.
Murray, presumably, should also be safe given his season and his chemistry with Jokić, which is significant.
But after that … oh boy.
Christian Braun’s $125 million extension looks like a problem, unless he bounces back after a rough season.
Peyton Watson is up for a new deal, but we’ve yet to see how influential he could be in a playoff context.
Aaron Gordon is a tremendous fit, but his contract is increasing and he’s getting older.
Sweeping changes likely aren’t needed, but the Nuggets shouldn’t close the door on considering them.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić didn’t have a great time in Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
2025-26 finish
Record: 54-28, third in the Western Conference. Eliminated in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games.
Highlight of the season
The play of Jamal Murray, who made his first All-Star team. The championship-winning guard averaged 25.4 points and 7.1 assists in his career-best the season.
If the Nuggets receive this type of annual production, that’s likely a good sign moving forward.
Players signed for next season
Nikola Jokić
Jamal Murray
Aaron Gordon
Cam Johnson
Christian Braun
Zeke Nnaji
Julian Strawther
DaRon Holmes
Key free agents
Peyton Watson (RFA)
Spencer Jones (RFA)
Bruce Brown (UFA)
Projected salary
$201,396,723
Draft picks
Nos. 26 & 49
Draft focus: If the Nuggets want to save money by dumping some of their younger players, it’s crucial they refill the cupboard. They could use more guard play and another big man in case Jonas Valančiūnas doesn’t stick around.
Virtually none. The Nuggets are extremely expensive and will likely find themselves far above the second apron. If anything, expect them to make some level of financially driven trades.
Needs and goals
Whatever happened this season just can’t happen again, whether you want to blame chemistry issues or roster inadequacy. The Nuggets are in dire need of simply figuring things out and adding depth to get back to competing for another title. They’re too good to let the best years of Jokić’s career slip away, but the big man is often carrying too big of a load.
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