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Nikola Jokić is the only sure thing about the Nuggets moving forward
TL;DR
The Denver Nuggets have failed to reach the Western Conference Finals for three consecutive seasons, with Nikola Jokić being the only untouchable player moving forward. Changes are expected as the team looks to retool around Jokić, who is set to sign a significant contract extension.
Key points
- Denver Nuggets failed to reach Western Conference Finals for three seasons
- Nikola Jokić is the only untouchable player moving forward
- Jokić expected to sign a nearly $300 million contract extension
- Nuggets may trade players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon
- Recent playoff loss to Timberwolves may inspire roster changes
Denver NuggetsNikola JokićJamal MurrayAaron Gordon
After winning the 2023 NBA title, the Denver Nuggets have now failed to reach the Western Conference Finals in three straight postseasons. The matter-of-fact results aside, it's also about how they've lost. That's because their nadir in that stretch, a humiliating first-round defeat to the shorthanded rival Minnesota Timberwolves, sounds like it might inspire the change necessary for Denver to reopen a championship window around three-time league MVP Nikola Jokić.
On Sunday, ESPN's Shams Charania stated the obvious out loud about Denver.
With the Nuggets looking so vulnerable in a championship-or-bust season, the only reportedly untouchable player in Denver moving forward is Jokić. That means it seems likely that at least one of the guys like Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, Christian Braun, or Peyton Watson may have already played their last game in a Nuggets uniform. Meanwhile, Jokić is expected to sign a monster contract extension worth nearly $300 million this July as Denver tries to retool around its franchise player.
Which, to anyone paying attention to the Nuggets' exploits: duh. The report on Denver starts at 1:50 in the clip below.
Of course, executing team-improving trades, the Nuggets would be happy to accept, while also satisfying their trade partner, is easier said than done. Let's run through the five names mentioned.
Q&A
Why have the Denver Nuggets struggled in the playoffs recently?
The Nuggets have failed to reach the Western Conference Finals in three straight postseasons, including a disappointing first-round exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What is Nikola Jokić's future with the Denver Nuggets?
Nikola Jokić is considered the only untouchable player on the Nuggets, with plans for him to sign a nearly $300 million contract extension this July.
Which players might the Nuggets trade after their playoff performance?
Players like Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson may be traded as the Nuggets look to make significant changes to their roster.