As the 2024-2025 regular season approaches, the Denver Nuggets find themselves in an enviable position. Coming off their first-ever NBA championship in 2023 and securing a strong but disappointing playoff performance in 2024, they have laid a solid foundation for future success. The recent decision to lock down star guard Jamal Murray with a four-year, $208.5 million contract extension will only add to the excitement and optimism surrounding the future of this franchise.
Denver Nuggets State of Roster After Jamal Murray’s Extension
Murray’s extension only solidifies the Nuggets’ core for the foreseeable future. The group includes three-time MVP and Finals MVP Nikola Jokić, versatile forward Aaron Gordon, star forward Michael Porter Jr, and up-and-coming guard Christian Braun. As the Nuggets enter the 2024-2025 season, the question is no longer whether they can compete, but how well-positioned they are to become NBA champions once again. Although, it may not be easy with the severe consequences of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Furthermore, with young highly competitive teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves on the horizon Denver’s path to becoming a true dynasty will become even more challenging.
Why Murray’s Extension a No-Brainer
Jamal Murray’s extension was an inevitable move for the Nuggets, who recognize his value not only as a scorer but as a leader and clutch performer. Since being drafted seventh overall in 2016, Murray has been a key player for Denver. However, it was during the 2023 championship run that he truly established himself as one of the NBA’s premier guards. Murray averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in the 2023 playoffs, consistently delivering when the stakes were highest. However, recent play in the 2024 NBA playoffs and the Paris Olympics indicates that the star guard isn’t at his best. Nuggets fans can only hope Murray is in his best shape when the season starts and more importantly the playoffs.
Murray’s ability to perform in the clutch and form a lethal two-man game with Jokić makes him indispensable. His scoring versatility—whether pulling up from deep, attacking the rim, or creating his own shot—adds layers to Denver’s offense. Which is one of the most dynamic in the league. Murray’s leadership and chemistry with Jokić are foundational to Denver’s success, and his contract extension ensures that the Nuggets will retain their elite backcourt for the foreseeable future. However, giving this amount of money to Murray could affect Denver’s future roster decisions as Aaron Gordon is up for a contract extension next year. Christian Braun and Peyton Watson are likely due for rookie scale extensions soon as well.
Denver Nuggets Underrated Acquisition
One underrated acquisition Denver made is acquiring undrafted rookie and Auburn’s Jaylin Williams on an Exhibit 10 deal. Williams has a solid chance to get promoted to a two-way contract or standard deal. Williams is the winningest player in Auburn’s basketball history. Notably, Williams spent five seasons with the Tigers and was a part of 114 wins, averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in his 141 games. Denver considered the Auburn wing at pick 56 if they did not trade pick 28 and pick 56 to Phoenix in exchange for pick 22 to select DaRon Holmes.
Additionally, it’s mentionable that Denver received calls from Milwaukee and Oklahoma City for pick 28. Milwaukee offered pick 23 and one second-rounder and Oklahoma City offered four rounders. Although Denver selected Phoenix as their trade partner to obtain pick 22 likely because they saw New York and Minnesota as threats to select Holmes if they did not move up.
The Last Word
In conclusion, Denver is in a good position. They have pretty much their core secured although ensuring Aaron Gordon will stay a Nugget next year is crucial. If they ever need some financial relief they have assets like Zeke Nnaji and young players although it’s been indicated that Nnaji hasn’t garnered any trade interest.
