The Denver Nuggets’ offseason decisions were based on Jokic’s “responsibility.”
The Denver Nuggets, the reigning NBA champions, have more time to resolve their urgent CBA issue after their early playoff departure. Like many other high-rolling teams, the Nuggets started the postseason on a high note.
Denver must balance roster flexibility in a more constrained financial environment while trying to make the most of three (or four, as he has an option) of the deal for three-time MVP center Nikola Jokic.
Teams that surpass the so-called “second apron” of the salary ceiling will be subject to harsh tax and roster manipulation fines under the collective bargaining agreement that went into effect in July 2023.
According to NBA estimates maintained by Spotrac, the Nuggets are one of eight clubs with a squad that is expected to earn more than $189.5 million in 2024–25.
The Nuggets’ strategy appears to be obvious, with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope being the key player in play this offseason.
During the Nuggets’ postseason media briefing, Denver president Josh Kroenke stated, “You have a responsibility to him.”
Recently, the Nuggets have accepted that duty. After signing Jokic to a four-year, $147 million maximum contract in 2018 and then a five-year, $276 million designated veteran extension in 2023, they piled on the support.
The last year of point guard Jamal Murray’s five-year contract is scheduled to pay him $36 million next season. Power forward Aaron Gordon will earn $23.8 million on a contract that includes a 2026 option, while small forward Michael Porter Jr. will receive $35.9 million on a pact that ends in 2027.
However, that was a different era. The less stringent CBA was used to negotiate such agreements.
The Nuggets deliberately chose to stick together as they attempted to become the first repeat champion since Golden State in the 2017–18 season, while several teams utilized the 2023–24 season to rearrange their rosters to create salary space in light of the new regulations.
There were consequences. They were unable to match Indiana’s two-year, $45 million offer last summer; therefore, they were unable to retain winger Bruce Brown, a crucial reserve on the 2023 championship squad.
In the Nuggets’ playoff series loss to Minnesota this season, when the bench averaged just 10 minutes per game, the loss of veteran role-player forward Jeff Green and Brown reduced the bench.
In part to keep expenses down after spending much on the starters, the Nuggets tried to make up for it with a young bunch that included second-year player Peyton Watson and rookie draft picks Julian Strawther and Jalen Pickett.
Calvin Booth, general manager, stated, “Obviously, maybe in our top seven, we can use a little bit more talent.” “Perhaps there is a way to move one or two people up. However, nothing strikes me as particularly odd for our roster.
