Jokic Off-Limits as Nuggets Examine Offseason; Gordon, Murray Could Be Available
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Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke said three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is the club’s lone untouchable as the front office weighs offseason moves following a 54-win campaign and a first-round playoff exit.
Speaking at Friday’s end-of-season press conference, Kroenke acknowledged that fellow starters Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon will be evaluated as potential trade pieces.
“I love Aaron Gordon,” Kroenke told reporters. “This team looks a lot different when Aaron is healthy. We need a healthy Aaron Gordon, so we need to figure out how to make the most of him and get the most out of his body for the benefit of the team.”
Luxury-tax choices ahead
The Nuggets could bring back nearly the same roster, a move that would push payroll beyond the NBA’s second tax apron. Kroenke said that option remains under consideration. “Everything is on the table. If we deem running it back the most competitive thing we can do for the roster, that’s probably what we’re going to be doing,” he said.
Restricted free agent Peyton Watson, 23, is expected to draw a sizable offer sheet. Front-office executives Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace stopped short of pledging to match any deal but expressed a desire to keep the wing long term.
Confidence in Adelman
Kroenke voiced “full faith” in head coach David Adelman after the team managed multiple injuries during the 2025-26 season. “I’m most proud of that stretch in January, the way the coaching staff was without Nikola,” Kroenke said, adding that a healthy roster could have produced 60 to 65 wins.
Adelman noted that additional ball-handling and athleticism are offseason priorities after those shortcomings surfaced in consecutive playoff runs.
Source: Hoops Rumors
