2026-27 Nuggets Roster: Contracts, Starting Lineup, Depth Chart

The Nuggets, while they have done a few roster moves around the edges, look like they'll be trending towards the five-man starting lineup that they had at the end of last season, barring any unforeseen changes. 

PG - Jamal Murray: After a career-best season in 2025-26, Murray will be looking to keep that momentum heading into this year for what would be his second All-Star and All-NBA appearance. Based on the Nuggets' guard depth, he'll certainly get the heavy minutes his way for that opportunity.

SG - Christian Braun: Last season didn't go as Braun anticipated. He had a bit of a letdown in terms of his production fresh off of signing his $125 million extension before the season started. Now that he's got a clean slate to work from, maybe this year will look a little more like his third season that got him his contract in the first place.

SF - Cameron Johnson: Aftr facing trade speculation throughout the offseason, Johnson, to this point, is still set to return to Denver next season on an expiring deal. There is time for that status to change, and perhaps Johnson even loses his starting spot if Peyton Watson re-signs. For now, though, we'll slot him into here.

PF - Aaron Gordon: Coming off an injury-riddled previous season, Gordon will be hoping he can bounce back from his ups and downs to put together a healthy, much-improved season in 2026-27. If he can find his groove back as the two-way force he is when fully available, the Nuggets' title chances will see a huge boost because of it.

C - Nikola Jokic: No questions as to who's starting here. Jokic is coming off his fifth-straight All-NBA First-Team selection and another MVP race where he was either first and second in the league in total votes. Based on past precedent, we should expect more of the same from the Joker in 2026-27, especially as he'll be looking to cash in on a new contract next summer.

Depth Chart

The Nuggets' depth chart is far from official–– especially considering their roster isn't filled out with 14 players just yet.

But based on the intel we know, and the players we expect to be on the roster come opening night, here's a rough estimate of how the depth chart might pan out for Denver.

Note: We're including Peyton Watson into these projections. To this point, signs seem to hint towards his return on a new contract or via the qualifying offer being more likely than a sign-and-trade.

The starting lineup, as you can notice, won't be seeing any significant shifts from how they ended last season. Where the big changes lie is within the bench, as multiple pieces from last year's roster have left, and the Nuggets have since replaced them.

Alpha Diallo is in the mix, Marvin Bagley got signed on, and Trevon Brazile is the newest rookie to join onboard. On the other hand, Tim Hardaway Jr. is with the Miami Heat, Jonas Valanciunas is out of the league and overseas, and Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown remain unsigned.