Denver Nuggets: 2025 Offseason Priorities and Salary Cap Dynamics

I look at what possible extensions for Nikola Jokic, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson could look like, and analyze their payroll to see why they'll need to make a financially motivated trade soon.

The Denver Nuggets had a remarkable season given their circumstances. They won a playoff series despite an unusually late head coaching change after a low point. They must feel good about their title chances after taking the Thunder to seven games.

They are also now two years removed from their championship season. Their depth has slowly chipped away due to their high payroll and roster-building restrictions. Things will only get more challenging as their core players age into the second half of their careers.

Matt Moore joined the podcast last week to discuss the Nuggets and their upcoming offseason. We speculated on the remainder of their window and potential trades to replenish their lineup and bench. It’s a good companion piece for this preview, which will focus on salary cap dynamics. In particular, extensions for Nikola Jokic, Christian Braun, and Peyton Watson, and when they’ll need to make a trade to reduce payroll and support their depth.