After the 2026 postseason, the message was clear in Denver: the roster is not good enough to compete for a championship. Nikola Jokic was the one player who held the franchise accountable, and many expected the Denver Nuggets to make multiple moves at this point in the offseason. 

The roster played well enough to get them the 3rd seed in the Western Conference this past season as Nikola Jokic made a case for another MVP award. The Nuggets also saw the emergence of Peyton Watson, who is currently a restricted free agent and is in ongoing talks with Denver to re-sign with the franchise long-term. 

The biggest issue the Nuggets have had all offseason is their salary cap situation. As it stands, Denver is in jeopardy of being penalized for being in the second apron. Forward Cameron Johnson and guard Christian Braun have been rumored to be on the trade block as the Nuggets look to free up cap space, but nothing has come about. 

The Nuggets' passive approach to the offseason may not only cost them on the court, but also financially. The franchise cannot afford another disappointing season with Nikola Jokic at the top of his game. 

If the franchise doesn't act fast, it'll continue to fall behind. The Western Conference is still very talented at the top, and with the Timberwolves adding LaMelo Ball, it raises concerns about where the Nuggets will finish in the conference next season. 

Another offseason priority the Nuggets are putting off is re-signing Peyton Watson to a long-term deal. Denver tendered a qualifying offer to Watson, making him a restricted free agent, but both sides have yet to agree to a multi-year deal. 

Watson, 23, is coming off a breakout season in 2025-2026. In 54 games, Watson averaged 14.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He showed he can be a serious threat on both ends as a wing, and his youth is what makes him draw interest from teams other than the Nuggets. 

Because of his youth and upside, Peyton Watson could be due for a big contract, something Denver cannot afford at this point. Watson could be due for a contract worth anywhere from $25-30 million this offseason. 

The Nuggets are in the middle of a pivotal offseason, and if they want to improve from last season, there are moves they will need to make to ensure success in 2026.