Although the Denver Nuggets had a relatively active offseason to improve their championship chances, an anonymous NBA GM believes there’s only one way to know if their moves have been successful.
After winning the NBA championship in 2023, the Nuggets haven’t been able to repeat that success. They were eliminated from the postseason by the Minnesota Timberwolves two seasons ago, and suffered the same fate at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the most recent playoffs.
Denver’s Offseason Moves Target Championship Window
The team made significant roster changes to prevent another early playoff exit this offseason. Most notably, the Nuggets traded away Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in return for Cam Johnson, a move that addresses their need for more consistent wing production. Johnson brings better defensive versatility and three-point shooting consistency, two areas where Porter Jr. struggled at times.
Denver also found a way to bring back Bruce Brown, whose departure after their championship run left a noticeable hole in their rotation. Adding Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valančiūnas to their roster heading into the 2025-2026 season gives them additional depth and veteran leadership.
While the Nuggets have made several changes to their roster over the past few seasons, there’s no denying that Nikola Jokic remains the face of the franchise. After all, he has won three MVP awards and is still viewed by many fans as the best player in the league. His unique combination of size, court vision, and basketball IQ makes him nearly impossible to replace.
Keeping Jokic happy and believing that the Nuggets have a legitimate shot at contending for a title is paramount for the organization. The front office knows their championship window is tied directly to Jokic’s prime years, making every roster decision critical.
Nikola Jokic’s Approval Key to Denver’s Success
A recent report from senior NBA Insiders Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps revealed that Jokic’s satisfaction is a top priority for the Nuggets this offseason. His thoughts and motivation will be crucial to the team’s performance next season.
“But are the Nuggets any closer to another title? Opinions were wide-ranging despite Denver seemingly addressing its biggest issues. As one rival GM said, “There is only one person who needs to be impressed with their offseason. That’s Jokic. Sometimes the best trades you make are the ones that engage your superstar. If Jokic is energized by those moves, then it was a great summer.”
The logic makes sense when you consider how much Denver’s success depends on Jokic’s engagement level. When he’s locked in and motivated, the Nuggets become one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. His ability to elevate his teammates’ games through his passing and basketball IQ is unmatched.
While Jokic may approve of the majority of moves the Nuggets made so far, Bontemps and Windhorst revealed that one particular situation might bring complications. “One potential complication to Denver’s planning is the possibility of Valančiūnas returning to Europe next season after a report from European basketball site BasketNews said he is considering joining Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos.”
This potential departure would create a significant problem for Denver’s frontcourt depth. Since Valančiūnas is owed over $20 million for the next two seasons, the Nuggets would have to waive him and assist in helping him obtain a letter of clearance if he wishes to leave the NBA and take his talents overseas.
The situation highlights the complexities of building around a superstar in today’s NBA. Teams must balance financial constraints, player preferences, and competitive windows while navigating an increasingly global basketball landscape.
In any case, the Nuggets have done their best to appease Jokic and assure the 2023 Finals MVP that the team remains in the hunt for a title. After all, they were one of only two teams that pushed the OKC Thunder to seven games in this postseason and are clearly just a move or two away from winning another championship.
The Western Conference remains loaded with talent, but Denver’s core group has proven they can compete with anyone when healthy and motivated. Fans are left wondering if the team will be able to capture another title with Jokic as the franchise cornerstone, but the early signs suggest they’re heading in the right direction.