As the season came to a close for the Nuggets, it’s time to look ahead. The team has a range of decisions to make in hopes of repeating their 2023 championship run. That includes dealing with a few core players. Their series against the Thunder showcased several concerns. Nikola Jokic was hounded, leaving him stripped and exhausted by Game 7. Moreover, his supporting cast not only carried injuries, but couldn’t support the Joker through the tyranny he faced from the Thunder defense.
But out of the lot, who do the Nuggets think about trading? Jamal Murray showed promise, but against pressure defense was a shell of himself. He will begin the first year of his massive $225 million extnesion from next season. Aaron Gordon played on one leg and still made an invaluable impact. That leaves them with one rational path. The Nuggets may have to wave Michael Porter Jr. in the trade market.
According to Denver Post’s Troy Renck, “Trading MPJ is the most viable option, if they can find a suitor. He disappeared in the playoffs, averaging 7.2 points per game against the Thunder. He played through a sprained left shoulder that needed a monthlong rest. But he vanished last season against Minnesota when healthy,”.
Even with an injured shoulder, Porter had some incredible performances. Moreover, he was an imperative presence in the Nuggets’ championship conquest. However, regular ailments have derailed his career. Still, the 26-year-old acknowledged that his showing during the postseason was disappointing.
“I have to figure out a way to get my body into a better place and become a better player,” he said after the Game 7 loss. But do the Nuggets have time on their hands? Michael Porter Jr. was sensational during the regular season. He played the most games during a season, while averaging a 18.2 points per game.
But he is also the third highest player on the team carrying a $78 million price tag over the next two seasons. As the third highest paid player on the team, his recent performances in the playoffs have been concerning. And with a need to deepen their roster, his contract could help the Nuggets faciliate their objective.
The only worry Renck has “it is much easier to argue that Porter has reached his ceiling”. So will any team be willing to bring him in? Whichever direction the Nuggets choose to go, having good financials is a huge priority for the Nuggets. Especially because they have a promising player who is due for a large extension.
The Nuggets have a money problem
Michael Porter Jr’s contract could obviously help the Nuggets bring in a few pieces that can impact winning. However, there’s another reason they need to find a way open up significant space on their salary sheet. Unlike most of the Nuggets players during Game 7, Christian Braun stood out as the lone force at times.
He scored 19 points, trailing only Nikola Jokic. And Braun has been the epitome of consistency this season. The 24 year ol became an established starter this season, averaging a career-high 33 minutes per game. Additionally, his contributions were sublime as he posted 15.4 points while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc.
His athletic ability and competitive edge have seen his stock rise rapidly. He carries only a $4.9 million hit for next season. That does allow the Nuggets to shuffle around their pricey roster for one season. However, it’s not completely out of the question for Braun to forego the last year of his contract to sign an extension.
And it’s going to be a big one.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks expects Christian Braun’s extension to be worth over $30 million per year
(h/t @Ralph_MasonJr )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 19, 2025
According to Ralph Mason Jr., Braun has earned the right to ask for an extension from the Nuggets. And he perceives it to be similar to Jalen Suggs’ five year $150 million deal with the Orlando Magic, but only higher. As per his estimation, Christian Braun is a $30 million per year player, heaping further pressure on the Nuggets.
This leaves the franchise in the worst position. They can’t afford to keep all of their stars together. So they need to make choices during the offseason. Jamal Murray doesn’t seem like a candidate because of his synergy with Nikola Jokic. If Braun does end up signing an extension from next season onwards, the probability of Michael Porter Jr’s trade should be considered significantly high.
The post Jamal Murray & Co’s Failure Will Bring Change in Nuggets Locker-Room as $30M Opportunity Emerges appeared first on EssentiallySports.
