The Denver Nuggets are in a win-now scenario, with the most effective participant on the earth, Nikola Jokic, aiming to return to the NBA Finals for the primary time since their 2023 championship run. Pushing the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder to seven video games within the Western Convention semifinals with a beat-up roster exhibits that the All-Professional middle wants a bit extra assist to recover from the hump.
The staff determined to half methods with Head Coach Michael Malone and Basic Supervisor Calvin Sales space, who had reportedly been at odds for months. Their disconnect could have finally price the franchise one other shot on the NBA Finals. For the reason that begin of NBA Free Company, Denver has been making an attempt to recapture the magic that made them particular two years in the past.
They re-signed guard Bruce Brown, a key piece of that title run, to a one-year minimal deal after he turned down a two-year, $45 million provide from the Indiana Pacers. Brown is a seamless match who doesn’t want any assist integrating again into the system.
Denver additionally traded sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. and their 2032 first-round decide to Brooklyn for ahead Cam Johnson, a shooter in his personal proper who’s extra aggressive off the dribble and supplies larger defensive effort.
They rounded out the primary 48 hours of free company by addressing their non-Jokic minutes, sending ahead Dario Saric to Sacramento in trade for giant man Jonas Valanciunas, one of many NBA’s finest offensive rebounders. He’ll present much-needed stability and may play an impactful position when Jokic is on the bench.
The Nuggets additionally signed three-point specialist Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one-year minimal deal—a great match for a staff that thrives on flooring spacing and ball motion. Of their collection towards the Thunder, Denver shot simply 31.5% from three, and Hardaway is predicted to assist increase their perimeter scoring this season.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon praised Denver’s offseason on *Get Up* this morning: “The Nuggets wanted depth—all of us hammered on it. You gotta get deeper,” MacMahon stated.
“Valanciunas is by far the most effective backup they’ve had for Joker… Tim Hardaway Jr. simply had a very good 12 months in Detroit. Bruce Brown was an enormous piece to their championship puzzle. Now, Denver Bruce Brown is a special beast than Bruce Brown anyplace else.”
All legitimate causes for Nuggets followers to really feel optimistic after the primary two days of free company. Barely over the luxurious tax and holding a $16.8 million commerce exception, the Nuggets look like transferring in the proper course.
Try the dialog from “Get-Up” on the Nuggets from this morning beneath:
“I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say they’ve regressed, however I’m additionally undecided they’ve progressed.”@TimBontemps and @espn_macmahon disagree on how the Nuggets’ offseason has gone so far 😅 pic.twitter.com/aRTkRJttFD
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 2, 2025
Uncover extra from Baller Alert
Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your e-mail.
