Tag: Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets Eye Trade to Challenge OKC’s Reign

Denver Nuggets
September 2025

Denver are weighing up a trade that would send Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji, and picks to Chicago, plus a future second to Washington, in exchange for guard reinforcements. The move reflects their urgency to ease the load on Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. With Oklahoma City Thunder setting the standard after their title run, Denver’s window to maximize Jokic’s prime is shrinking. Trading depth and draft capital for backcourt firepower is risky, but the Nuggets believe bolstering creation and scoring is essential to keep pace in the brutal Western Conference.

Valanciunas Set to Stay with Nuggets Despite Overseas Interest

Jonas Valanciunas (Sacramento Kings)
July 2025

Denver has informed Jonas Valanciunas he must honor the final two years of his contract after a pending trade from Sacramento. Greece’s Panathinaikos had expressed interest.
Valanciunas is expected to back up Nikola Jokic. Denver made it clear a buyout is off the table unless mutually agreed. The trade for Dario Saric is not yet official.

Westbrook Declines Option, Eyes Free Agency at 36

Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets)
June 2025

Russell Westbrook has declined his $3.4 million player option for the 2025–26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent when the market opens on June 30.
After averaging 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 75 games for Denver, Westbrook opted out despite recent hand surgery. The 36-year-old veteran remains determined to chase an NBA title and resume training this offseason.

Adelman Sets Tone for New Era as Nuggets Head Coach

David Adelman (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025

David Adelman was officially introduced as the Denver Nuggets’ new full-time head coach, emphasizing fitness, adaptability, and deeper playoff preparation after replacing Michael Malone.
Adelman, promoted after a second-round playoff exit, stressed better conditioning and openness to new ideas. He’ll also be involved in GM selection as Denver looks to raise its ceiling and strengthen bench depth behind Nikola Jokic and the core five.

Westbrook Undergoes Surgery, Eyes Comeback

Russell Westbrook (Denver Nuggets)
Confirmed on Tuesday, May 28

Russell Westbrook is undergoing surgery on his right hand to repair two fractures sustained during the season.
Despite playing 75 games with heavy finger taping in the playoffs, the 36-year-old now enters recovery. He has until June 29 to decide on a $3.3M player option.

David Adelman Named Permanent Nuggets Head Coach After Playoff Run

David Adelman (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025

The Denver Nuggets have officially promoted David Adelman to head coach, removing his interim tag after he led the team to a Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals against top-seeded Oklahoma City. Adelman took over following the surprise firing of Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with just three regular-season games remaining.
Nuggets president Josh Kroenke praised Adelman’s leadership and relationship with players, especially Nikola Jokić, saying he preferred Adelman’s internal knowledge over hiring an outsider. Adelman had been Malone’s top assistant for eight years and guided the Nuggets through a turbulent yet promising postseason. Kroenke also acknowledged the team’s depth concerns and hinted at the need for offseason improvement despite limited draft capital.

Jokić Joins Russell & Bird with Historic MVP Feat

Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)
May 2025

Nikola Jokić became the third player in NBA history to finish top-2 in MVP voting for five straight seasons, joining legends Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
Jokić finished second in 2025 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, adding to MVP wins in 2021, 2023, and 2024, and a second-place finish in 2022. He averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists this season — one of the most statistically dominant years ever, yet not enough to claim the award.

Michael Malone Joins ESPN for Western Conference Finals Coverage

Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets > ESPN)
May 2025

Former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will join ESPN’s NBA Countdown team for the Western Conference finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Malone, fired by Denver just before the playoffs despite leading the team to their first NBA title in 2023, will contribute on-site alongside Malika Andrews, Stephen A. Smith, Bob Myers, Kendrick Perkins, and Shams Charania. He replaces his coaching duties with a studio analyst role.

Thunder Crush Nuggets in Game 7 to Reach West Finals

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Denver Nuggets
May 19, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points as OKC routed Denver 125-93 in Game 7 to advance to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2016.
After trailing by 11 early, the Thunder dominated with a 39-20 second quarter and never looked back. Jalen Williams added 24 points, and OKC exposed Denver’s zone defense. They will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 on Tuesday.

Murray Battles Illness, Nuggets Force Game 7 Against Thunder

Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)
May 16, 2025 (Game 6)

Despite battling illness, Jamal Murray powered the Denver Nuggets to a 119-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinals. He posted 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Murray received IV fluids and was only cleared to play 45 minutes before tipoff. He played 42 minutes and sparked Denver’s early momentum with 11 first-quarter points. Nikola Jokic added 29 points and 14 rebounds. The series heads to a decisive Game 7 in OKC on Sunday.

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