Everything short of trading Nikola Jokic was on the table for the Denver Nuggets in the offseason, but the team didn't make any major moves after following a disappointing year where they lost in the first round to the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The team added backup center Marvin Bagley III, EuroLeague defensive standout Alpha Diallo, offensive dynamo Lonnie Walker IV, and re-signed Tyus Jones and Spencer Jones. 

They also drafted forwards Travon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins in the second round of the 2026 NBA draft. 

They lost backup center Jonas Valanciunas to Europe and Sixth Man of the Year candidate Tim Hardaway Jr to the Miami Heat.

Peyton Watson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent. 

Jonas Valanciunas was a servicable backup center for Denver last season, averaging 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 65 games. However, he was unplayable in the playoffs against the Timberwolves and was already leaning towards going back to Europe before the season started. 

Bagley offers a much different look than Valanciunas with his athleticism and more all-around play. He plays above the rim, can attack off the dribble, and has shown decent touch from outside on limited volume. He can also provide the kind of weakside rim protection that Valanciunas couldn't. 

There's also a better chance of Bagley and Jokic playing minutes together as they are a more comfortable fit than Valanciunas and Jokic.

The different look that Bagley provides, with and without Jokic on the floor, should benefit the team in the regular season and playoffs. 

Watson remains a restricted free agent, and there seems to be no end in sight as to when there will be a resolution between the two sides. 

Watson is reportedly seeking $25 to $30 million per year. The Nuggets are reportedly offering him between $16 and $18 million per year. That's a large gap between the two sides, and reports indicate that this could drag into September. 

There is no sign-and-trade on the horizon due to the Nuggets operating in the second apron, and no team has the cap space to make an offer sheet. 

Watson was an important player for the Nuggets last season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three in 54 games last season. His absence was felt in the playoffs, especially on the defensive end.