The Denver Nuggets are facing several crucial decisions this offseason, including potential trades involving Michael Porter Jr. or Aaron Gordon and the possible free agency of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, the most significant and expensive issue is securing a maximum extension for point guard Jamal Murray.
The primary question is whether Murray will sign a four-year extension now or wait until next summer to negotiate a five-year deal as a free agent. Murray is entering the final year of his five-year, $170 million extension signed in 2019 and is set to earn $36 million next season. The Nuggets are eager to lock him in before he hits free agency. A four-year extension would be worth approximately $208 million, while a five-year deal could reach around $270 million.
Denver Nuggets Nearing a $200 Million Payroll
The Nuggets face pressure to make changes after falling in the conference semifinals against the Timberwolves, losing in seven games. This pressure is compounded by a payroll nearing $200 million, far above the projected $172 million luxury tax threshold, pushing them into the dreaded “second apron” territory.
Despite these financial concerns, the Nuggets are committed to retaining Murray.
“They’re not going to trade him, that has never been discussed,” one Western Conference executive told Heavy Sports. “I am sure they’re worried about paying out a big contract just because of the injury history, but it is something they know they need to do. As much as (Nikola) Jokic is the MVP there, he is the dynamite on that team, the guy who makes them explode.
“Jamal has shown he does it in the playoffs. He was not great this year in that (Minnesota) series, but even in Game 7, he came through, he is usually there when it matters most. You have to pay a guy like that. It’s a no-brainer.”
Murray scored 35 points in the decisive Game 7 loss to the Timberwolves, though he averaged only 15.7 points on 38.2% shooting in the series before that game. This season, Murray averaged 21.2 points on 48.1% shooting (42.5% from three-point range) but played only 59 games. It was the fourth consecutive season he missed at least 17 games, including the entire 2021-22 season due to a knee injury.
Jamal Murray to Play in Olympics
Meanwhile, Murray has confirmed he will play for Team Canada in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, forming a formidable backcourt duo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Murray skipped Canada’s bronze-medal run in last summer’s World Cup after the Nuggets’ championship season.
“I’m excited to be there. We have a great squad, (it) was great to see them win a medal. Hopefully, we can go our way and win gold this summer,” Murray told Eurohoops.net. “I’m excited to see the group we have. We’ve got so many underrated guys on the team that you don’t really pay attention to, who can impact the game in many ways.”
As the Nuggets navigate these pivotal decisions, Murray’s future with the team remains a top priority, balancing the need for financial prudence with the imperative to keep their explosive point guard.
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