Patryk Stachowiak
DENVER — The Denver Nuggets gave Nikola Jokić exactly what he wanted this offseason: depth, balance, and reinforcements for another title push. After watching the Oklahoma City Thunder outlast them in a seven-game thriller en route to the NBA championship, the Nuggets went back to work. This time, they’re betting big on roster depth and long-term stability — with Jokić at the heart of it all.
Jokić Playing the Long Game
Jokić had the option to lock in a four-year, $212 million extension this summer but chose patience. Why? By waiting until next year, the reigning Finals MVP can sign for $293 million over four years — a staggering difference in value.
“I don’t think about it”
Jokić said when asked about the financial implications.
“Those contract extensions come as a reward, as something that is natural to the sport. Especially in today’s NBA with the salary cap growing.”
Although he stopped short of confirming his decision, the message was clear:
“My plan is to be a Nugget forever.”
Key Offseason Changes
The Nuggets’ offseason overhaul sent ripples through the league. The franchise promoted David Adelman from interim to full-time head coach, replaced Calvin Booth with a two-man front office of Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace, and reshaped the rotation around Jokić.
- Cam Johnson: Acquired in the Michael Porter Jr. trade, bringing much-needed shooting and spacing.
- Bruce Brown: A critical piece of the 2023 championship run returns after a year away.
- Tim Hardaway Jr.: A veteran scorer who adds bench firepower.
- Jonas Valančiūnas: Provides interior size and the flexibility to play alongside or behind Jokić.
- DaRon Holmes II: The 2024 first-round pick returns from an Achilles injury, ready to contribute.
Denver Nuggets. Source: substack.com
“Bruce is back. We won with him. Need to save his career again”
Jokić joked, before praising the team’s
“new energy, new beginning.”
Brown’s Homecoming
Bruce Brown’s return may prove to be the most significant storyline. After leaving Denver in free agency, Brown admitted he never stopped thinking about coming back.
“Indy was great for me when I was there but it was only three months”
Brown said.
“Once I got to Toronto we were on two different roads. They were rebuilding, and I was past that. I wanted to come back right away.”
Championship Aspirations
Two seasons removed from their first-ever NBA title, Denver is banking on experience and chemistry. The Nuggets now have both star power and bench strength — the type of combination sportsbooks will watch closely heading into 2025. Early lines already have Denver as one of the top-three favorites to win it all.
For Jokić, it’s about more than numbers. It’s about legacy. “Hopefully, we can do something,” he said. With a retooled roster, a loyal superstar, and one of the NBA’s most complete rotations, the Nuggets look primed to make noise once again.