In a recent episode of The Hoop Collective (YouTube link), ESPN’s Brian Windhost shed some light on the Denver Nuggets‘ immediate plans. Per Windhorst, the Nuggets are negotiating with Aaron Gordon on a contract extension. However, the Nuggets are reportedly not interested in signing Gordon to a max deal, leading to a standstill in talks.
“From what I understand, they are negotiating with Aaron Gordon,” said Brian Windhorst on Friday’s episode of The Hoop Collective. “Aaron Gordon was eligible for a four-year, $150 million-ish contract extension. They haven’t handed out that offer, otherwise he would have signed it. From what I understand, they are negotiating and they’re hopeful of getting him at less than what would be his quote, unquote max.
Gordon still has two years remaining on his four-year, $86.4 million contract extension. This includes a $22.8 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
Nuggets Reportedly Unwilling to Sign Starter to Max Contract
Denver Nuggets May Have to Trade Aaron Gordon
At the start of October, NBA insider Shams Charania provided an update on the Nuggets-Gordon contract negotiations. Charnia noted that the Nuggets have until October 21 to sign Gordon to a new deal. Additionally, he mentioned that, if they cannot come to terms on an extension, the Nuggets may trade the 29-year-old.
“They need to pay [Gordon], they know it, but there are some salary restrictions moving forward in the years to come, and if they can’t get there with an extension with him, you look into free agency next year with a player option, he’s going to be coveted by any team with cap space, so that is a worry for Denver right now before the start of the regular season,” Charania said.
In this case, the Nuggets have just a few days to extend Gordon before he is no longer eligible.
Earlier this offseason, the Nuggets signed guard Jamal Murray to a four-year, $208 million max contract. While this extension was a no-brainer for Denver, it does have some consequences from a financial perspective. Gordon has been a fantastic player for Denver since they traded for him in 2021. However, given the circumstances, moving on from him in a trade could be the Nuggets’ best option.
Aaron Gordon and Denver Nuggets Both Want Extension
During this year’s Media Day, Nuggets GM Calvin Booth revealed that they want to “keep [Gordon] here for a long time” (YouTube link).
“Hopefully we have some productive talks with his representation and we’re able to find a deal that we’re both satisfied with,” Booth told reporters. “He’s been an integral part of what we’ve done and we’d like to keep him here for a long time.”
Furthermore, Gordon himself said he wants to sign an extension and stay in Denver. Gordon also expressed his love for the organization and his teammates (YouTube link).
“I really love this organization,” Gordon told reporters. “I love the players on this team. I love the coaching staff. So I hope we get it done. It seems like it’s moving forward in the right direction, so I’m excited. I’m excited hopefully to be extended and stay with this organization.”
Currently, it is unclear what Gordon’s future in Denver holds. He has made it clear he would like to stick around for the long haul. However, given the Nuggets’ financial situation, it is possible the team will move on from him before the end of his contract.
