Denver Nuggets
Denver has been one of the top teams in the league over the last eight seasons. During this stretch, the Nuggets own the second-best record in the league at 409-228 and have made the playoffs in each of those seasons. While the Nuggets have won 50+ games in each of the last four seasons, they haven’t been back to the Western Conference since surprisingly winning the 2022-23 NBA title. They were ousted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round this season.
Denver has 10 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $219.4 million, thus putting them $2.5 million below the second apron. Jonas Valanciunas has a partial guarantee ($2 million of $10 million), and Jalen Pickett has a club option ($2.4 million). Valanciunas isn’t expected to return, though the Nuggets have to find a way to exile him.
“What makes things tough for the Nuggets is that they’ve stretched their cap sheet about as far as they seem willing to stretch it, said Keith Smith of Sportac. “Denver has done everything they can over the years to avoid going deep into apron territory and triggering a massive tax bill.”
The Nuggets have five players who make over $20 million, and two — Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are set to make at least $50 million. More problematic, Peyton Watson, whom the Nuggets like, is a restricted free agent and is likely to draw significant interest on the open market. They own the No. 26 and No. 49 picks in June’s draft.
Cam Johnson, who is on a $23.0 million expiring contract, is the most likely player to be dealt. However, Christian Braun or Aaron Gordon may have to be moved as well.
If he is placed on the trade block, Johnson is expected to draw interest. The Los Angeles Clippers, LA Lakers, and the Golden State Warriors.
Possible Potential Trades
Clippers Receive
Cam Johnson
Nuggets Receive
2026 No. 56 pick
2031 second-round pick (swap)
The Nuggets would save about $5.6 million with the trade. Jackson would replace Valanciunas as Jokic’s primary backup. Jones is a 3-and-D forward who would likely come off the bench for the Nuggets.
Lakers Receive
Cam Johnson
Nuggets Receive
The Nuggets would cut $6.4 million in this deal. It is possible that the Lakers could make the deal just for Vanderbilt, and that would increase their savings to $10.6 million.
Warriors Receive
Nuggets Receive
