The Denver Nuggets have never been a franchise to rest on their laurels, and the 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be a testament to their relentless pursuit of championship glory. After back-to-back heartbreaks in the second round—both in grueling Game 7s, no less—the Nuggets' front office responded with a flurry of moves that have the basketball world buzzing. With Nikola Jokic still at the peak of his powers and a retooled roster built around him, Denver is once again a major title contender, but questions linger as the season approaches.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Just two years ago, the Nuggets stood atop the NBA mountain, hoisting the 2023 championship trophy. But as any fan knows, staying on top is often harder than getting there. The last two playoff runs ended in crushing Game 7 defeats, most recently at the hands of the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder, who went on to capture the 2025 title. That loss, while devastating, was hardly an indictment of the Nuggets’ core; it was a stark reminder of just how razor-thin the margin for error is at the NBA’s summit.
So, what did Denver do? They got to work. The offseason was anything but quiet. The Nuggets made a headline-grabbing deal, sending Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson. The move wasn’t just about finances—though shedding Porter’s hefty contract did create some much-needed cap flexibility—it was about fit. Johnson’s reputation as a two-way wing and elite floor spacer fills a void Denver has struggled with, especially in playoff crunch time.
That extra flexibility allowed the Nuggets to bring back Bruce Brown, a fan favorite from the 2023 title run, and to sign Tim Hardaway Jr. on a team-friendly one-year contract. Both moves signal Denver’s intent: surround Jokic and Jamal Murray with battle-tested veterans who can step up when it matters most. The frontcourt wasn’t ignored, either. Jonas Valanciunas, acquired from Sacramento, finally gives Denver the reliable backup center they’ve lacked for years. With Valanciunas in tow, the days of the bench unit collapsing whenever Jokic sits could be over.
The projected starting five—Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic—has all the makings of a top-tier NBA lineup. Murray, fresh off a season averaging 21.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists on 47.4% shooting, remains the offensive engine next to Jokic. Braun, though not yet an All-Star, proved his worth with 15.4 points per game and strong two-way play. Johnson’s arrival injects fresh energy and defensive grit, while Gordon, who averaged 14.7 points with a blistering 43.6% from deep, continues to be the glue guy who shines brightest in the postseason. And then there’s Jokic: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game last year—numbers that are simply otherworldly. There’s a reason Bleacher Report ranked the Nuggets’ Big 3 of Jokic, Murray, and Gordon second-best in the league, trailing only the Thunder’s youthful trio.
Depth, a sore spot in previous seasons, looks much improved. The bench features Julian Strawther, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Peyton Watson, DaRon Holmes II, Zeke Nnaji, and Jonas Valanciunas. Strawther and Watson, both promising young wings, are expected to take on bigger roles, while Valanciunas’ veteran presence should steady the second unit. Brown’s return can’t be overstated—his championship experience and defensive versatility could be the difference in tight playoff series.
But let’s not kid ourselves: for all the smart moves, there are still questions. The bench, while deeper, lacks a true secondary creator when Jokic or Murray needs a breather. The front office reportedly explored adding a veteran playmaker like Chris Paul but came up short. That leaves Denver potentially vulnerable in late-clock situations or when injuries strike. Salary cap constraints also loom large, limiting the team’s ability to make in-season tweaks unless they move contracts like DeAndre Jordan’s or Russell Westbrook’s.
Speaking of Westbrook, his fit remains an open question. Brought in for his energy and playmaking, the former MVP’s shooting limitations could make him a trade candidate if the rotation gets crowded or if Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. prove more seamless fits. DeAndre Jordan, now 37, is more of a locker room presence than a rotation staple, but his expiring deal could be handy for a midseason trade. Peyton Watson, a tantalizing young wing with defensive upside, may also find himself dangled as trade bait if Denver pursues one last veteran upgrade for the playoff push.
There’s another layer of intrigue: leadership. After the departures of longtime head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, the Nuggets are now under the guidance of David Adelman. It’s a fresh start that brings both opportunity and uncertainty. Is Adelman ready to steer a championship-caliber roster through the crucible of the NBA playoffs? That’s a storyline worth watching.
Despite these uncertainties, optimism reigns in Denver. The 2025-26 Nuggets are built to contend, boasting a blend of star power, depth, and veteran savvy. The additions of Johnson and Valanciunas address glaring weaknesses from recent playoff runs, and the core—Jokic, Murray, Gordon, Johnson, and Valanciunas—remains untouchable. If health holds and the new pieces mesh, this squad has the tools to make another deep run. As one analyst put it, "Denver’s retooled roster is a force to be reckoned with. They’ve taken massive swings at perimeter defense, spacing, and frontcourt reinforcement, addressing many of the criticisms during recent playoff exits."
Of course, the NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint. Injuries, chemistry, and unforeseen challenges will test Denver’s resolve. Trade rumors will swirl, and every loss will be dissected. But with Jokic anchoring the team and a supporting cast built for both the regular season and the playoffs, the Nuggets have never looked more dangerous. The Western Conference gauntlet awaits, but Denver is ready to run it back—this time, with a few new tricks up their sleeve.
As the 2025-26 campaign tips off, all eyes are on the Mile High City. Can the Nuggets turn offseason promise into postseason triumph? The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing’s for sure: Denver has stacked the deck, and they’re all in for another shot at NBA glory.
