Denver Weighs Cost-Cutting Moves as Payroll Nears Second Apron
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The Denver Nuggets are entering the offseason with more than $213.8 million already committed to 10 players, a figure that tops the projected luxury-tax threshold and first apron while sitting just shy of the $222 million second apron, according to a report by Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
Ownership is expected to treat the second apron as a de facto hard cap, and team officials are believed to be exploring ways to reduce salary, potentially involving multiple starter-level players.
Valanciunas Likely Out
Center Jonas Valanciunas, whose $10 million contract for next season carries only a $2 million guarantee, is widely viewed as a near certainty to depart. Denver could attach a second-round pick to trade him—though the club has just three available selections—or waive him and absorb the $2 million hit. A third option would stretch the guaranteed money over three seasons.
Low-Cost Options Expected to Stay
The Nuggets are expected to pick up Jalen Pickett’s $2.41 million team option, which sits slightly below the veteran minimum cap charge. Denver also plans to keep the No. 26 pick in June’s draft, adding a projected $3.1 million salary to next year’s books.
Restricted Free Agents Pose Challenges
Wing Peyton Watson faces a $6.5 million qualifying offer, but league observers anticipate his market value will exceed that number. Forward Spencer Jones narrowly missed starter criteria, keeping his qualifying offer at the standard minimum instead of $5.9 million. Denver may signal its intent to match any offer sheets, though substantial salary must be cleared to follow through.
Trade Candidates
Christian Braun’s new five-year extension makes a deal unlikely, but forward Zeke Nnaji—owed $7.5 million next season with two years remaining—could draw interest. Durando also notes Denver could act as a third-team facilitator in a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster to shed unwanted contracts.
Big Contracts Under Review
Moving significant money would require parting with one of Jamal Murray ($50.1 million), Aaron Gordon ($32 million) or Cameron Johnson ($23.1 million, expiring). Johnson’s expiring deal is viewed as the most movable, yet dumping his entire salary would still leave the club several million over the tax line once roster spots are filled.
Escaping the tax entirely would mean coupling Johnson with another key contributor—possibly allowing Watson to walk in free agency or entertaining trades involving Murray or Gordon. Any such path could represent a short-term step back for a franchise determined to contend while Nikola Jokić remains in his prime.
Source: Hoops Rumors
