Who could be moved on the Denver Nuggets?
The Denver Nuggets are likely to shake things up in the offseason after losing in six games to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
The Nuggets won the NBA Championship in 2023, but haven't been back to the Western Conference Finals in the past three seasons. Even if you set aside the lack of playoff success over the past three seasons, the Nuggets have major roster decisions to make based on some current contracts.
Peyton Watson is a restricted free agent and is due a big raise after his breakout season. In paying Watson, the Nuggets would be into the second apron if they made no other moves.
Knowing that they won't go into the second apron, who is most likely to be moved?
Aaron Gordon
The Nuggets probably don't want to move on from Gordon, who is a core member of the team and a key piece to their championship in 2023, but injury history can't be ignored. He was banged up in 2025 as the Nuggets lost in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and played in only three of the six games against the Timberwolves.
Nikola Jokic is safe. Jamal Murray is most likely safe. Of the three core pieces, Gordon is the top candidate to be moved.
Zeke Nnaji
Things just haven't worked out between the Nuggets and Nnaji since he signed a four-year deal worth $32 million in 2024. He hasn't played more than 12 minutes per game in any season since signing the deal, and unless Aaron Gordon is traded, which could be a possibility, it's tough to see him earning consistent playing time at this point.
He's only owed $7.4 million this upcoming season and then has a player option worth $7.4 million for the following season.
The return might be minimal, but moving on is best for both sides.
Christian Braun
Braun's five-year, $125 million deal is set to kick in this upcoming season, making him more difficult to deal, but there are always ways. He's only 25-years-old and has proven to be a solid rotation piece on a championship team.
Denver would be selling low after a disappointing regular season and an even more disappointing playoff series, but it's the easiest way for them to get some cap relief as they add Watson's new deal.
Cameron Johnson
Johnson is entering the last year of his deal, which pays him $23 million. It's slightly more money to take on than Braun's deal, but you're committing to just one season and Johnson has shown to be a more consistent player than Braun.
He's a seemless fit on most teams and is the easier to move between him and Braun, making him the most likely trade candidate.
