Pete Thamel, through his X account, reported UNC’s strong interest in securing the services of the former Nuggets head coach. There, he won an NBA championship in the 2022–23 season.

Throughout his NBA career, Malone has won a total of 510 games. Will he be the next leader of the Tar Heels for the upcoming season?

A bitter end for North Carolina

The North Carolina Tar Heels suffered a stunning and early exit from the 2026 NCAA Tournament, collapsing in a shocking first-round loss to VCU. Despite holding a commanding 19-point lead during the game, the Tar Heels were unable to maintain their momentum, marking one of the most unexpected upsets in recent program history.

More candidates emerge for UNC

While Michael Malone has emerged as the frontrunner, other high-profile candidates previously linked to the vacancy included Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd, who recently signed a long-term extension, and Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, whose championship pedigree at Florida made him a primary target.

Other names mentioned during the search were T.J. Otzelberger of Iowa State and former Tar Heel Jerry Stackhouse, as the program specifically sought a leader capable of navigating the modern NIL and transfer portal landscape.

However, with Michigan’s Dusty May also withdrawing from consideration, the university appears to have pivoted decisively toward Malone’s NBA experience to lead the new era in Chapel Hill.

“…Little did I know the profound impact that would have on the next decade of my life…I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Kroenke family, all of our remarkable players, and my exceptionally talented coaching staff…To Nuggets Nation, it has been my absolute pleasure to lead and fight for our team every night. To help bring Denver its first NBA championship is an accomplishment that I will always cherish… Denver is home, and being your coach has been my privilege,” stated Malone.

In his farewell message to the Denver Nuggets, he did not explain the reason behind his departure. However, he thanked the Kroenke family, which suggests there was no conflict between them. Even so, the timing of his departure surprised many. The team was still pushing for a playoff spot and had secured several key wins.

His departure also affected Russell Westbrook’s public image. Some reports claimed he played a role in Malone’s firing. However, neither side confirmed any involvement. Despite the unexpected shake-up, the Nuggets responded well, winning their final three games and showing noticeable improvement ahead of the NBA playoffs. The late surge allowed them to hold on to the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke addresses Michael Malone and Calvin Booth’s departure from the franchise

Despite the great history Michael Malone and Calvin Booth left on the Denver Nuggets, Josh Kroenke still decided to fire both looking for a new direction for the franchise. According to reports, the decision came as part of a plan to build a stronger foundation around the team’s young players. However, Kroenke has not confirmed that reasoning so far. Even so, he did choose to speak publicly about their departure from the organization.

“…It was an incredibly tough decision for us for a lot of levels, but at the very end of the day it was a very tough decision because of the amount of respect that I personally have and we as an organization have for (what) both those gentlemen did for us while they were here,” stated Kroenke.

He even made a surprising admission about his decision to let them go, stating, ”To be frank, neither of them deserved it. And for that I apologize.” Besides, Kroenke went on to acknowledge their lasting impact on the franchise, noting that they played a key role in helping the Nuggets win the first championship in team history. Beyond that, he credited them with instilling a new culture, one that will remain a permanent part of the organization’s identity.

“You know another thing I heard that bothered me? People trying to put it on Russell Westbrook. Stop it…Russell Westbrook makes $3 million this year. You’re going to tell me anything to do with a coach is the man that makes three?…If Russell Westbrook’s a problem at $3 million—they pay him, they can send him home. Pay him and say, ‘Go home, we don’t even want you around here.’ To try to make this about Russell Westbrook is insane to me,” stated Draymond Green on his podcast.

Since leaving the Los Angeles Clippers, Russell Westbrook has struggled to regain his peak form. During his time with the Denver Nuggets, he averaged 13.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Despite that, fan criticism has not centered on his on-court production. Instead, much of the backlash stems from his rumored involvement in the departure of head coach Michael Malone.

For Draymond Green, the criticism does not make sense. He believes it is unfair because Russell is not even the team’s highest-paid player or the star player. For that reason, He is not the star of the roster to attract this kind of problem. Moreover, some reports claimed that his tough coaching could be another reason behind Malone’s departure.

After hearing that, Draymond defended him acknowledging that his outspoken leadership might make him someone people grow tired of. However, it does not bother him since he understands what it takes to win, and he won’t change his approach because of outside opinions.

How did Michael Malone react after being fired from Nuggets?

Despite facing challenges throughout the season, the Denver Nuggets stayed among the top teams in the Western Conference. That is why the decision to fire head coach Michael Malone shocked many. The timing made it even more surprising, as the playoffs are just around the corner. Even Malone did not see it coming, since the move came directly from team president Josh Kroenke.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Malone did not react calmly to the news. In fact, Windhorst said the reaction was expected, considering the circumstances. Although he did not share many details, the message was clear. The decision came at a bad time, especially after all the work already done. Firing the coach who brought the first NBA title to the franchise is far from ideal.

“All the while, Malone’s choice to continue supporting Westbrook, despite the frustration he was causing on and off the floor, led to a loss of credibility among the team’s key players. It was one thing when Malone handled Jokic and Murray with more leniency than the rest of their group, but affording Westbrook that sort of treatment, even with his Hall of Fame credentials, wasn’t received well by some,” reported The Athletic.

Russell Westbrook is not having one of his best seasons in the NBA. The veteran guard is averaging 13.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. These numbers are solid, but they do not reflect the level he once reached. However, his experience still plays a key role for any team. Even so, the perception of special treatment has created tension in the locker room. As a result, the roster lost balance and struggled to find consistency.

According to The Athletic, the breaking point came on April 1 during a game against the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic delivered a stellar performance, finishing with a 60-point triple-double. However, a miscommunication between him and Russell Westbrook led to a crucial turnover. As a result, the Minnesota Timberwolves capitalized on the mistake and took the win.

After the game, Michael Malone defended Russell Westbrook in front of the media. This decision upset several players in the locker room. In particular, some of the younger talent felt overlooked and frustrated by the coach’s response. The situation added more tension to an already strained environment.

Russell Westbrook already feeling the heat from Denver Nuggets fans after recent clash

The Denver Nuggets finally ended their losing streak against the Sacramento Kings. They defeated them 124-116 at home. This time, the team looked much more balanced. All five starters scored more than 18 points, which had not happened in previous games. That gave Denver the offensive edge they needed.

However, not everything was positive. Russell Westbrook didn’t get the warmest reception from the home crowd. A group of fans called him “Westbrick,” a nickname that has haunted him before. This time, he responded directly and firmly: “Watch yo mouth. Don’t play with my name. Watch yo mouth, know what I’m sayin? Alright. I’m just letting you know, I don’t play those games brother,” answered Russell.

Clearly, the fans are not pleased with Westbrook’s impact since he joined the team. His minutes dropped again in this game, as he played only 16:35. That adds more fuel to the uncertainty surrounding his future in Denver. Especially now, with Michael Malone no longer with the team.

With a 48-32 record, the Nuggets sit comfortably in third place in the Western Conference standings, just one win away from officially locking in their playoff position. Despite the shakeup, Jokic and his teammates appeared unfazed, showing their composure on the court with the victory over the Kings.

The firing of Malone came as a shock to many within the Nuggets community, leaving reporters, former players, and analysts stunned. However, Jokic seemed less surprised than most. The star center shared a revealing insight about the decision during his postgame interview, offering a glimpse into his conversation with Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke.

“I knew a little bit before everybody else,” Jokic said. “(Kroenke) told me, ‘We made a decision.’ It wasn’t a discussion, it was a decision, and he explained why. I listened, and I accept it.” Jokic refrained from elaborating on the specifics of Kroenke’s reasoning for the firing.

Why Did the Nuggets Fire Malone despite their success?

The Nuggets’ decision to part ways with Malone came as a surprise, especially given the team’s recent success. The reasons behind the move were not immediately clear, as the organization did not provide specific details in their announcement. Nuggets owner released a statement explaining the decision but left the rationale somewhat vague.

“This decision was not made lightly, and it was evaluated very carefully. We are doing this with the goal of giving our team the best chance to compete for the 2025 NBA Championship and deliver another title to Denver and our fans everywhere,” Kroenke said.

Kroenke added: “While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone played a pivotal role in building the foundation of our championship-caliber program, it is a necessary step to ensure we can compete at the highest level moving forward. Championship-level standards and expectations remain for the current season, and as we look to the future, we aim to build on the foundation Malone laid during his record-breaking 10-year tenure in Denver.”

With that statement, the Nuggets officially closed a chapter that saw Malone lead Denver to its first-ever NBA championship in the 2022-2023 season. Under his leadership, the Nuggets made the playoffs six times, with two trips to the Western Conference Finals.

What’s next for the Nuggets?

Denver is on the verge of another playoff appearance, needing just one more win to secure their spot. The team will then await its next opponent. Following Malone’s departure, the players appeared to remain focused, understanding the main objective: bringing another NBA title to Denver.

“David Adelman will assume the head coaching role for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season,” Kroenke stated. Under Adelman’s guidance, the Nuggets will aim to overcome their rivals and reach the NBA Finals for the first time in three years.

“If I’m San Antonio, I’m going to get Mike Malone,” Anthony said on a recent episode of his podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn. Referring to Gregg Popovich still being the coach of the San Antonio Spurs despite his prolonged absence due to health issues, Carmelo added: “Pop done… Bring Malone out there.”

The former Nuggets forward seemed excited about the possibility. “I’m a fan of Mike Malone, personally. I’m a fan of him. I don’t really know what happened, but I’m a fan of Mike Malone. So I would love to see him get a job ASAP. Like, San Antonio should be talking to him. That’s a great conversation,” he said.

“You already come from a culture. You know the San Antonio culture,” Carmelo continued, reflecting on what Malone could find in his potential new team. “You got another generational player (Victor Wembanyama), you got a future All-Star on your team in Stephon Castle, he’s really, really good. You got De’Aaron Fox over there with you, get some draft picks, you know, might get Cooper (Flagg).”

Carmelo Anthony weighs in on Malone’s firing by Denver

The news of Mike Malone’s firing broke while Carmelo Anthony was recording the podcast, so it caught both him and his co-hosts by surprise. “When (expletive) like that happens, that means the front office, execs, feel like ‘we’ve peaked,’” was his first conclusion.

“You don’t do that. I don’t give a (expletive) who it is. You don’t do that. Bro, we got three games left, about to go into the playoffs. You guys can still make a run. Why are you pulling that trigger like that? That goes to show me you all look at this season as a wash,” Anthony said. He then put himself in the shoes of the Nuggets players to try to understand what they might be thinking: “They already believe we can’t do anything. Internally, they have these conversations, ‘They don’t think we can win.’”

Carmelo Anthony reflects on Jokic’s role after Malone’s sacking

Reflecting on the role that Nikola Jokic might have had in the situation, Anthony initially said: “I don’t think he cares enough to talk about the coach.” But he added: “That’s where Joker has a say-so. Not saying he has a say-so in Mike Malone being fired. If the coach-player relationship was strong like that, I gotta let the front office know that that was some (expletive).”

“I wouldn’t be shocked if Joker demands a trade this summer,” Pierce said on Speak, suggesting that the Serbian center is likely dissatisfied with how the franchise handled the situation. “You’re wasting one of the greatest players of this generation. You’re wasting his prime now.”

The 2008 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics then made it clear how he felt about the timing of Malone‘s firing, just three games before the end of the regular season. “It just tells me Denver is not serious. Since they won a championship, they failed to re-sign the players that they had to help them win the championship,” he explained.

“They could have waited until after the season to do this. If the players had an issue with Mike Malone, cool. You dealt with it this long. You could have dealt with it a few more weeks,” Pierce said. “And so I just don’t get it.”

Pierce believes Malone’s exit will affect the Nuggets’ playoff chances

In the same conversation, Paul Pierce analyzed the near future of the Denver Nuggets following the decision to fire Michael Malone. “This is just telling me that the Nuggets, by firing their coach a week before the playoffs, this does not give them their best chance to win the championship,” he said.

“How do you go into the playoffs with a focus like, ‘Hey guys, we’re going to talk about winning a championship,’ where now for the next week or two, they’re going to be talking about the firing of the coach in the locker room,” Pierce continued. “How are you going to be focused on winning the playoffs when that’s going to be a subject of every conversation from here on out? I just don’t get it. This is more going to be a distraction.”

The Nuggets have yet to secure their spot in the playoffs

The Denver Nuggets have only three games left in the 2024-25 NBA regular season. On Wednesday, they will visit the Sacramento Kings, on Friday they will face the Memphis Grizzlies, and they will finish the campaign on Sunday against the Houston Rockets in Texas.

Despite spending most of the year in direct playoff contention, the Nuggets now find themselves in a precarious position. They are tied with the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies with a record of 47-32, while the Minnesota Timberwolves are slightly behind at 46-33. The coming days will be crucial for them, especially amid this unexpected turmoil surrounding Malone’s departure.

“I’ve been part of the NBA family for over 45 years and I’ve never seen a season like this!,” Johnson posted on X. “First, two superstars get traded in the middle of the regular season—Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis—and now two coaches, Denver’s Michael Malone and the Grizzlies’ Taylor Jenkins, get fired before the end of the regular season, even though both teams have already secured playoff spots.”

With just a handful of regular-season games remaining—and the playoffs set to begin April 19—the Nuggets made a decision that stunned the basketball world. Despite holding a 47–32 record and sitting fourth in the Western Conference, the front office opted to make a drastic change.

Stunning timing in Denver

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the organization met Tuesday morning and decided to dismiss both Malone and Booth. Lead assistant David Adelman has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Malone, 53, was on the verge of completing his 10th season with Denver. He guided the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2023 and had maintained the team’s status as a Western Conference contender ever since. Now, with such a major shake-up coming at a critical point in the season, questions loom over the Nuggets’ ability to compete in the playoffs.

Magic’s playoff predictions

While the league processes Denver’s front office overhaul, Magic Johnson has his eyes on two other teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. In another post on X, Johnson laid out his bold prediction for the Western Conference Finals.

“I predict that if the Warriors and the Lakers end up in opposite brackets, they’ll be playing each other in the Western Conference Finals. It’ll be must-see TV in the East and the West!” Johnson wrote.

Noticeably absent from his forecast: the Denver Nuggets. With the departure of Malone and Booth, doubt is beginning to creep in about Denver’s postseason chances—especially in a Western Conference where the margin for error is razor thin.

The Nuggets‘ decision comes at a crucial point in the season. The team has not secured a playoff spot yet. Nikola Jokic continues to deliver impressive performances, but the Nuggets still fall short. Considering this, he had already opened up on the teams’ struggles this season.

With only three games left to chance their fate, they have reportedly chose their interim head coach. According to Shams Charania, David Adelman will now take over as the interim. The Nuggets, however, may already be thinking about the future. They could explore long-term options beyond Adelman.

Several free-agent coaches remain available. Since they are not tied to any contract, they could take over during the postseason. This flexibility gives the Nuggets more room to make a quick move.

Who could be the possible candidates to take the head coach spot on the Denver Nuggets?

Among the free-agent coaches, Taylor Jenkins stands out as a strong option for the Denver Nuggets. He led the Memphis Grizzlies to consistent success in recent years. However, the franchise decided to fire him. Jenkins now becomes one of the most intriguing names available. His track record, combined with his leadership style, could be a great fit in Denver.

However, Taylor is not the only name in the conversation. The Denver Nuggets could also consider Mike Brown as a strong candidate to lead the team. He is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, which adds credibility to his profile. Brown left the Sacramento Kings in December 2024 after going through a rough losing streak.

Still, his defensive mindset stands out and fits what the Nuggets need right now. It could help Denver find quick solutions for their ongoing struggles on that end of the court.

The Denver Nuggets made another major change in their front office

According to Shams Charania, the Denver Nuggets have fired general manager Calvin Booth. This decision comes as a major surprise before the start of the postseason. The franchise chose to make a drastic change at a crucial time. As a result, it signals the possible end of a sports project that once seemed solid.

With a new GM in charge, changes are almost certain. These could affect both the player roster and the coach’s game plan. However, this sudden shift in leadership could damage the team’s chances of a deep playoff run. The timing makes the move even more questionable, considering the challenges ahead in the Western Conference.

“The defense, I’ve talked about it a ton…That’s been the most disappointing part of this year is just the huge drop off. We didn’t go from eight to 12, we didn’t go from eight to 15, we went from eight to. I don’t even know what it is right now. It’s a severe drop-off. You can’t just rely on your offense to outscore teams. We have to get this bad taste out of our mouth because I hate losing. It’s driving me crazy,” stated Malone.

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets have dropped four games in a row. This losing streak has sparked concerns across the league. Many believe they could lose their grip on the fourth spot in the Western Conference since the Minnesota Timberwolves are right behind them.

However, the Nuggets still have three games left in the regular season. This gives them a chance to turn things around. If they bounce back quickly, they can hold onto their current position. Every game now carries playoff implications and leaves no room for error.

Nikola Jokic is still playing at an MVP level

Although the Denver Nuggets are navigating a rough stretch in the NBA, Nikola Jokic remains one of the league’s most dominant forces. He has scored more than 32 points in four of his last five appearances, proving his individual brilliance has not wavered.

His most impressive showing came on April 1st against the Minnesota Timberwolves, when he erupted for a career-high 61 points in one of the most electrifying performances of the season.

Are the Denver Nuggets at risk of falling to the NBA play-in tournament?

The Denver Nuggets still control their own path to a direct playoff spot. They have three games left in the regular season. Nikola Jokic and his team must win all of them to qualify without depending on other results. This pressure exists because of how tight the Western Conference standings are.

The gap between fifth and eighth place is extremely small. A single win or loss could change everything. For that reason, the Nuggets could finish in the top six or they could drop to the Play-In Tournament.

Nevertheless, the Nuggets have already shown they can stay consistent throughout the season. They proved that during tough stretches and key games. Michael Malone’s self-criticism shows how aware the team is of its current struggles. He knows what needs to improve and does not hide from it. In addition, Nuggets’ roster has always been filled with strong defensive players. It gives them the tools to respond when pressure builds.

“I think they’ve approached this game like it’s a rivalry, and I think we’ve approached these games like it’s just another game sometimes…We just gotta play harder, whether it’s a rivalry or not…I don’t care who you’re playing. If you’re playing St. Buzzies and they beat you five times in a row, sometimes your pride’s gotta kick in,” stated Malone.

The Denver Nuggets have dropped their last three matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with their most recent win dating all the way back to October 17, 2024. While head coach Michael Malone continues to downplay the idea of a brewing rivalry, another loss could fuel even more intensity among both franchises. Besides, both teams arrive in a good momentum.

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are firmly holding the third seed in the Western Conference. The team has suffered a few losses, but they always manage to bounce back. Their resilience keeps them in strong NBA playoff position. Also, having one of the best players of the league is a huge advantage. Jokic continues to dominate the league with 29.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. His presence gives Denver a clear edge every time they step on the court.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves are still chasing a direct playoff spot. Their recent consistency has been impressive. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle have carried the offense with standout performances. Timberwolves do not have a player like Jokic, but they make up for it with effort and depth. Both teams come into this matchup with momentum. Fans should expect a close and intense game.

Minnesota Timberwolves to face Denver Nuggets without two key players

Both teams come into the game with similar momentum. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves will be without two key players. Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid have received one-game suspensions after the incident against the Detroit Pistons, according to Shams Charania. As a result, they will not be available to face the Denver Nuggets.

This is a major loss for Timberwolves. Both players rank among the team’s top five scorers. They also play important roles in playmaking and rebounding. Their absence creates a challenge for head coach Chris Finch. He must adjust his game plan without two of his most versatile contributors.