The Denver Nuggets have faced one of the worst postseasons since Nikola Jokic took the reins of the team. In Round 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets had not looked comfortable since Game 1, as the series ended 4-2. Rumors have already begun swirling on social media about the future of the current roster and the franchise’s purpose in the offseason.
Meanwhile, several players on the roster are on expiring contracts, which might make the job a little easier to find them a destination. Moreover, Jokic will be due for an extension after next season, which he can sign any time now. As per a report from The Athletic, the Nuggets are discussing a potential Jamal Murray trade if Joker re-signs.
NBA Base shared the update on X and wrote:
“The Nuggets could reportedly have “internal discussions” regarding a potential Jamal Murray trade if Nikola Jokić signs his extension this summer.”
In light of the aforementioned update and other rumors on social media, let’s look at five players who can be made available in the offseason after the Nuggets’ Round 1 exit.
#1 Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray was one of the most successful players in the regular season this time around, earning his first NBA All-Star nod. He began well in the playoffs, dropping two 30-point games, but his journey derailed quickly. In Game 6, he just added 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Though the Nuggets guard has three more seasons on his contract, the franchise might look for a favorable deal for him if some team gets interested in acquiring him. This will open up much-needed space in their cap structure.
#2 Aaron Gordon
Aaron Gordon has been an asset to the Nuggets through and through, averaging 16.5 points and 5.8 rebounds. If he becomes available in the trade market, teams might look to pursue him in the offseason. However, his injury concerns might make the suitors reluctant to give too much for him.
Even though he signed a four-year extension in 2024, Gordon’s market value might lure the franchise to bring more assets around Joker. However, Murray might garner more attention compared to Gordon, considering their regular-season run.
#3 Christian Braun
Christian Braun faced a slow start to the season, but showed some flashes of an elite two-way guard who can play good defense. After being drafted 21st overall in 2022 by the Nuggets, he has developed quickly with the squad and made his place among the starters. That led him to a five-year, $125 million rookie contract extension last year.
However, Braun had nothing to show in the playoffs this season, averaging 8.3 points and 3.5 rebounds, with a steal per game. The franchise might look to offload his contract in the offseason and can look to club him with another big piece to get a superstar pairing for Nikola Jokic.
#4 Cam Johnson
The Nuggets might look back at their decision to acquire Cameron Johnson for Michael Porter Jr. rather closely. While Johnson averaged 12.2 points and 34 rebounds in the regular season, Porter Jr.’s impact was heard all over the NBA. Meanwhile, the Nuggets forward had a big game in Game 6, scoring 27 points and eight rebounds. However, it’s too late now.
Next year will be Cam’s last on the current deal, and interested teams might look to get a hold of him at the right time. He might get attention in the offseason, and the management could look to add him to frame a lucrative deal.
#5 Peyton Watson
Peyton Watson’s rookie deal has ended, and he will now be a restricted free agent. He can negotiate with teams to find out his worth during the offseason. Even though he is nursing a Grade 2 hamstring sprain, Watson had his career-best season, offensively, averaging 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds.
Watson stepped up in the absence of Jokic during the regular season and could garner increased attention in the offseason. The franchise might use his worth in the market to demand crucial pieces around the 3-time NBA MVP.
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