Despite boasting a talented roster, the Denver Nuggets fell short of making the 2025 NBA Finals, succumbing to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Many fans pointed to the roster’s lack of depth, as Nikola Jokic appeared to be the lone standout among the players. For that reason, the franchise took swift action in the offseason, actively signing new talent to bolster its lineup. NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley provided insightful analysis on these strategic moves.
“I think (the Nuggets) and the Houston Rockets have probably had the best summers (in the NBA). And (the Nuggets), they’ve got the best player in the world (in Nikola Jokic)… They just needed some more depth… (They’ve) still got the best player. You want to give them as many opportunities as possible. But I thought they had a great summer,” Charles Barkley said, via The Denver Post.
The Nuggets’ performance in the postseason was solid, but their main problem was the lack of depth in their roster. As a result, they struggled to make game-changing plays from the bench, unlike the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. To address this issue, they made significant additions with Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Cameron Johnson. They also reinforced their bench by bringing in Curtis Jones, Bruce Brown, and Tamar Bates.
Denver Nuggets make smart offseason moves that boost both roster talent and payroll flexibility
To make significant changes to its roster, the franchise needed to part ways with players carrying high-value contracts. One such player was Michael Porter Jr., whose contract was valued at $38.3 million. By trading him for Cam Johnson, the Nuggets reduced their salary cap by $17 million. This strategy focused on reducing the overall team payroll, allowing the team to strengthen its lineup with more depth and flexibility.
Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket during the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers
According to ESPN, the Denver Nuggets are projected to maintain a payroll that is $34 million below the second apron for the 2026-27 season. This strategic financial move not only reduces their salary obligations but also enhances their roster with high-impact players poised to transform games from the bench. These acquisitions hold the potential to vie for starting roles, further elevating the team’s competitive edge.
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Can the Denver Nuggets contend for another NBA title after their latest roster moves?
In contrast to the 2024-25 season, the Denver Nuggets now boast significantly more talent coming off the bench. Jonas Valanciunas will likely play a pivotal role, providing valuable minutes to rest Nikola Jokic. Also, key additions like Tim Hardaway Jr and Cam Johnson are anticipated to make substantial contributions. With these enhancements, head coach David Adelman sets his sights high, eyeing a championship run with fewer constraints compared to other franchises.
