Less than two years after winning their first championship franchise history, the Denver Nuggets are in an interesting position. Last season, they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs despite being a favorite to make it back to the NBA Finals. Additionally, in consecutive offseasons, the team lost key role players Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Despite still being led by three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, many are doubting Denver’s chances are being championship-bound again. However, after their most recent move, some may have to reconsider. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nuggets signed guard Jamal Murray to a four-year, $208 max contract extension.
Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray has agreed on a four-year, $208 million maximum contract extension, his agents Jeff Schwartz and Mike George tell ESPN. The deal — guaranteeing Murray $244M over next five seasons — secures a franchise cornerstone to the Western contender. pic.twitter.com/XDfBM4oX1Z
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 7, 2024
This contract extension comes as a surprise to nobody. However, it certainly took a long time to come to fruition. Regardless, the move is a no-brainer and will benefit both parties in the long run.
Denver Nuggets Agree to Contract Extension With Star
Jamal Murray’s Impact in Denver
Despite never having been named an NBA All-Star, nobody has doubted Murray’s talent and importance to the Nuggets. Since the team drafted him in 2016, the Canadian native has constantly improved and is part of arguably the best duo in the league alongside Jokic. Additionally, he has developed a reputation as a playoff performer. This became especially true after Denver’s championship run in 2023.
En route to a championship, Murray started all 20 games for Denver during their playoff run last year. In those games, he averaged 26.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.5 steals. This includes eight games when he scored 30 or more points.
Murray is one of the best guards in the NBA. And at just 27 years old, he should continue to get even better and potentially win. a few more championships in Denver.
The Denver Nuggets’ Outlook for the 2024-25 Season With Jamal Murray
The Nuggets will begin their season against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 24. Furthermore, they will begin training camp on September 24, alongside the reigning champion Boston Celtics. This is because both teams are participating in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games during the preseason in a potential NBA Finals preview.
Denver will roll out a different team next season than they have in recent years. In addition to losing Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic, the Nuggets traded veteran backup guard Reggie Jackson to the Charlotte Hornets, who waived him, allowing him to join the Philadelphia 76ers. On the flip side, however, the Nuggets added former MVP Russell Westbrook, and veteran forward Dario Saric.
The Nuggets may not be the same team that dominated the league during the 2022-23 season. However, as long as Murray and Jokic are on the roster, appears to be a long-term option, the Nuggets will continue to remain in title contention.
