Denver Nuggets face roster crossroads after playoff elimination

11 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 1

After a 4-2 first-round loss to sixth-seeded Minnesota, Denver enters the summer already above the projected $201.5m luxury-tax line with $204.5m guaranteed to eight players.
Decision-makers Josh Kroenke, Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace must choose whether to keep spending around Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray or explore trades involving Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson or Julian Strawther.
Restricted free agent Peyton Watson, Gordon's injuries and Jokić's potential 2027 free agency add pressure as Denver weighs continuity against retooling after a 54-win season ended abruptly.

Could the Nuggets risk losing Nikola Jokić or Peyton Watson if they don't make bold moves to reshape their roster this summer?

With luxury tax penalties looming, will Denver's ownership finally break tradition and spend big to keep their title window open?

Is trading a beloved core player like Aaron Gordon the only way out of Denver’s financial and competitive dilemma?