The Denver Nuggets made a huge swing this offseason after falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
Following a thrilling seven-game series loss to Oklahoma City, the Nuggets got back to work retooling their roster for another deep playoff run behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Denver moved on from Michael Porter Jr. and its 2032 first-round pick in exchange for three-and-D wing Cameron Johnson, who is coming off a career-best year with the Brooklyn Nets. The front office also made smart moves in free agency, signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Additionally, the Nuggets addressed a key rotational need by trading for Jonas Valanciunas to back up Jokic. While the West remains loaded with talent, Denver appears poised to be a top contender once again after its productive offseason.
Nuggets ranks top 3 in offseason evaluation
David Aldridge of The Athletic recently put together a ranking of every team’s offseason moves, placing Denver at No. 3.
“Getting Johnson at almost half the cost of Porter enabled Denver to bring back Brown, a key contributor to the ’23 title team,” Aldridge wrote. “Adding Valanciunas and Hardaway for very little were master strokes.”
The Nuggets were ultimately unable to compete with the Thunder’s extensive depth in the postseason. However, they added several rotation pieces and a starter in Johnson, who should all drastically improve the team’s playoff outlook.
Even after parting with former head coach Michael Malone, Denver’s offseason moves earned high marks. The Nuggets were already a serious threat to the Thunder before these additions, and the retooled roster makes them an even bigger contender in a stacked Western Conference.
With Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun and Johnson leading the way, plus a strengthened second unit, the Nuggets have a sky-high ceiling in 2025-26.
