An unceremonious second-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves has ended the Denver Nuggets' pursuit of a repeat NBA title. Nikola Jokic won a third straight MVP this season, and Denver amassed 57 victories—level with the Oklahoma City Thunder for most in the Western Conference—to secure the second seed in the playoffs. After a gentleman's sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, though, the Nuggets fell to the Wolves in a seven-game thriller.
Denver is set to return a bulk of its roster in 2024-25, but there are a few variables to know as the offseason begins—and a couple of uncomfortable questions to ask. Before even diving into a pair of important options, the Nuggets have about $170 million committed to 11 players. Such is the cost of success.
Denver will undoubtedly be hovering in second-apron territory, which is projected for $190 million next season. Assuming that remains true, the Nuggets will only be able to offer minimum contracts in free agency. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($15.
4 million) and Reggie Jackson ($5.25 million) hold player options for 2024-25. Denver certainly doesn't want to lose either of them, given that KCP is a full-time starter and outstanding three-pointer shooter while Jackson runs the second unit.
However, if KCP declines his option and leaves in free agency, it's possible the Nuggets will have the $5.2 million taxpayer mid-level exception (TMLE) to use on the market. Although the Nuggets will have little flexibility in free agency, the core of th.
