9 Nuggets Players Who Could Leave The Team In 2025

Jamal Murray has been a cornerstone for the Denver Nuggets since being drafted in 2016, but the reality is that his future with the franchise could hinge on how this season goes. While a trade involving Murray this season is not possible, the 2025 offseason could paint a different picture if the Nuggets underperform or find themselves with an opportunity to bring in a transcendent talent.

Murray is making superstar money, making over $50 million per season until 2028-29 and his salary in 2028-29 is a whopping $62.5 million. Currently averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game on 37.2% from three, Murray hasn't exactly lived up to that standard. Still, based on his history in the playoffs, he is still solidified as Jokic’s No. 2 option.

Still, inconsistent performances in the regular season cast a shadow over Murray’s long-term reliability. If Denver’s front office grows concerned about his ability to stay focused throughout an entire season before critical playoff runs, they might entertain a blockbuster trade to bring in a more durable co-star for Jokic. After all, Murray wasn't great in last season's playoffs, posting only 20.6 points and 5.6 assists per game on 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from three. 

While it would be a risky move considering Murray’s chemistry with Jokic, no player is completely untouchable when championship windows are at stake, especially for a franchise trying to maximize Jokic’s prime.

Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. is one of the NBA’s most enigmatic players. His scoring prowess (18.8 PPG this season) and ability to shoot from beyond the arc (40.6% from three) make him a tantalizing offensive weapon, but his defensive limitations and ability to be a capable playmaker raise questions about his long-term fit in Denver. 

Porter will make $38,333,050 and $40,806,150 over the next two seasons, making him one of the league’s highest-paid forwards. Denver could explore moving Porter Jr. as soon as this summer if they believe his trade value is at its peak. While the Nuggets have been patient with his development, his hefty contract makes it challenging to surround Jokic with the necessary depth.

Packaging Porter in a deal for a two-way star or multiple high-impact role players could be the key to rejuvenating Denver’s roster. The Nuggets would need to weigh the gamble of losing Porter’s elite offensive upside against bolstering the roster’s balance for deeper playoff runs.

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook joined the Nuggets on a team-friendly contract worth $3.3 million this past summer, adding depth and energy to the team’s backcourt. The point guard has performed admirably well, posting 13.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game as a sixth man. Nobody expected Russ to form such a strong partnership with Nikola Jokic either. 

However, if the Nuggets falter in the playoffs, Westbrook will likely walk in free agency as Denver prioritizes younger, more complementary players. But, if he continues to thrive in his sixth-man role and Denver makes a deep postseason run, the Nuggets could look to re-sign him to a modest deal. 

Ultimately, Westbrook’s future depends on his ability to buy into Denver’s system and maintain efficiency on both ends of the court once the playoffs arrive. Of course, money could be a factor as well and the point guard could find a more lucrative deal elsewhere in summer of 2025. 

Christian Braun

Christian Braun is a promising young player who has become a staple of Denver’s rotation, averaging 13.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in his third season. On a rookie-scale contract worth $3.12 million this year, Braun provides tremendous value for his production, but his upside also makes him a desirable trade chip.

If the Nuggets decide to pursue a superstar or bolster their bench with proven veterans, Braun could be included in a package to sweeten the deal. He will make $4,921,797 next season with a qualifying offer worth $7,092,309 after that. No doubt, his big contract is coming up. 

While Denver would prefer to retain Braun for his growth potential, the team’s win-now mentality might force their hand. Trading Braun could sting in the short term, but landing a big-name star worth a big contract to complement Jokic might be too enticing to pass up.

Zeke Nnaji

Zeke Nnaji has had an up-and-down tenure with the Nuggets, averaging 1.2 points and 0.3 rebounds in 4.6 minutes per game this season. The 24-year-old big man was re-signed and will make $8,177,778 next season and is an obvious candidate to be moved before the February trade deadline.

With Nnaji showing flashes of potential but struggling to carve out a consistent role, Denver may look to package him in a deal for an established rotational piece. His youth and affordability make him an appealing option for teams in need of frontcourt depth. It is still a mystery why the Nuggets would re-sign Nnaji if he isn't a part of Mike Malone's plans in the rotation. 

Dario Saric

Dario Saric has a player option worth $5.4 million deal next season but could enter free agency otherwise. Saric does provide the Nuggets with a floor-spacing forward who could provide valuable depth behind Jokic. However, this season, Saric has averaged 3.4 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 30.0% from the field. 

Realistically, Saric’s contract and role make him a likely candidate to walk in free agency if Denver doesn’t re-sign him. His ability to contribute in limited minutes might intrigue contenders looking for playoff-tested veterans, but Denver could prioritize younger, more versatile players over retaining Saric for another season.

DeAndre Jordan

DeAndre Jordan has served as a locker-room leader for the Nuggets, but his on-court contributions have been minimal. Averaging 3.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per game, the 36-year-old big man is clearly in the twilight of his career. On a veteran’s minimum deal, Jordan is an expendable piece who is unlikely to return next season.

Denver’s focus on developing younger players in their frontcourt rotation means Jordan’s time with the Nuggets is likely coming to an end. While his veteran presence has been valuable, Denver will need to prioritize players who can provide more impact on the court as they continue to contend.

Vlatko Cancar

Vlatko Cancar has been accustomed to being a bench player, averaging 2.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per game this season. On a team-friendly $2.4 million deal, Cancar provides depth but isn’t irreplaceable in Denver’s rotation.

As Cancar becomes a free agent, the Nuggets will need to decide whether his contributions are worth re-signing or if they can find more impactful options elsewhere. While Cancar’s versatility makes him a useful piece, Denver’s championship aspirations may prompt them to look for upgrades in free agency.

DaRon Holmes

DaRon Holmes, Denver’s first-round pick in 2024, has shown flashes of promise but has yet to establish himself as a consistent contributor. Earning $3.1 million in his rookie season, Holmes is a potential long-term project who might not align with Denver’s immediate title goals.

If the Nuggets pursue a win-now trade, Holmes could be an appealing asset to include in a package for a veteran player. While trading the 22-year-old Holmes could backfire in the future, Denver’s urgency to maximize Jokic’s prime might necessitate tough decisions.