Northwest Offseason Notes: Nuggets Weigh “Run It Back,” Jazz Eye Best Player at No. 2, Mitchell Emerges, Blazers Push for Arena Funds
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Denver Nuggets
Nuggets president Josh Kroenke told reporters at last week’s end-of-season media session that “running it back” remains a primary offseason option, though not every rotation player is guaranteed to return. Kroenke identified Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon as the franchise’s core, leaving open the possibility of changes around that trio.
Multiple league sources informed The Denver Post that Denver is expected to explore trading a starter—potentially Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun—if the club plans to re-sign restricted free agent Peyton Watson. Staying out of the luxury tax for a second consecutive season in 2026/27 would reset the repeater clock, but the team already projects to be above the tax line before a new deal for Watson.
Asked about a possible tax bill, Kroenke said the organization will spend “if we deem running it back the most competitive thing we can do.”
Utah Jazz
After adding Jaren Jackson Jr. in February to a frontcourt that already features Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler, Utah still plans to select the best player available with the No. 2 pick in June’s draft, regardless of position. “Need is a bad evaluator,” president of basketball operations Austin Ainge said, stressing the club’s commitment to talent over fit.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Second-year guard Ajay Mitchell earned an A-plus grade from The Oklahoman for his play in Monday’s series-clinching Game 4. Starting in place of the injured Jalen Williams, Mitchell averaged 22.5 points and 6.0 assists in the second round against the Lakers. He will earn $2.85 million in 2026/27, with a $2.85 million team option for 2027/28.
Portland Trail Blazers
In subscriber-only reports, The Oregonian’s Bill Oram wrote that Portland’s city council risks underestimating relocation possibilities if it rejects public funding for Moda Center renovations. A source close to negotiations said a “no” vote could give the team’s new ownership group “a window to move the team.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
