The Denver Nuggets continue to bask in the glow of their recent NBA Finals championship, a mere two seasons removed from a historic title run. As they gear up for another season, they remain one of the league’s elite squads, with star center Nikola Jokic leading the way. Jokic, a maestro on the court, has not only captured the MVP award three times in the past five years but also solidified his status as one of the league’s premier players. So, the idea of trading Jokic? It seems unfathomable, right? Well, don’t be so sure.
In a recent candid discussion, Nuggets president Josh Kroenke hinted that the organization is not opposed to exploring options, even with a player of Jokic’s caliber. “Going into that second apron is not necessarily something that we’re scared of,” Kroenke stated. He elaborated on the importance of being judicious with their financial decisions, especially considering the team’s injury history. “The wrong person gets injured, and very quickly you’re into a scenario that I never want to have to contemplate, and that’s trading No. 15 [Jokic].”
For those who may not be familiar, the NBA has introduced luxury tax aprons, with particularly punishing ramifications for teams that exceed them. The second apron, in particular, imposes significant restrictions: teams surpassing this threshold cannot execute sign-and-trade deals, utilize certain exceptions to bolster their rosters, and face a slew of other limitations. As new regulations loom for the 2023-24 season, every decision becomes crucial for a franchise eyeing long-term success.
Jokic, now 30, is working through the latter stages of a five-year, $276.1 million contract. With three seasons still on the table, including a staggering $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season, his financial footprint is sizable. The Nuggets also find themselves navigating a complex landscape of contracts: Jamal Murray is entering the first year of a four-year, $207.8 million deal, while Michael Porter Jr. holds two seasons left on his own five-year, $179.3 million contract. Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon starts a four-year, $133 million agreement.
Although the Nuggets are over the salary cap this offseason and lack a pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, their path forward is still illuminated by the brilliance of Jokic. Last season, he posted a career-high average of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, all while shooting an impressive 57.6% from the field, 41.7% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the charity stripe. His performance even led him to the runner-up spot for the 2024-25 NBA MVP Award, losing out to the Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Reflecting on their recent campaign, the Nuggets wrapped up the previous season with a 50-32 record, positioning them fourth in the Western Conference. They showed grit in the playoffs, overcoming the L.A. Clippers in a grueling seven-game series before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the eventual champions, in yet another hard-fought seven-game battle in the Western Conference semifinal.
As the Nuggets navigate these challenging waters, the synergy between the franchise’s ambitious aspirations and the realities of the current NBA landscape will be crucial. With Jokic at the helm, the Nuggets have a better shot than most to keep their championship window wide open. But as Kroenke’s comments suggest, flexibility and prudence are the names of the game. The coming season will certainly test their resolve, and it’ll be fascinating to witness how they tackle these complex decisions moving forward.
