Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic's Crazy Pass Captures the Fans' Attention 140 Feb 12, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is pressured by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and forward Aaron Gordon (50) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets are Reportedly 'Hesitant' to Break Up Their 2023 Title-Winning Core, Per Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 23, 2025 10:33 AM ET

After winning their first NBA championship in franchise history in 2023, the Denver Nuggets were bounced from the second round of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, putting the team at a crossroads.

The Denver Nuggets are entering a critical offseason, as their key players have been mentioned in trade speculation. However, one insider revealed they are reluctant to trade their core players, such as Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Christian Braun, with Nikola Jokic as the centerpiece.

“So even Nikola Jokic as the main man, the Nuggets still need help. Sources say they’re hesitant to part ways with core members of their 2023 championship team — Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and now, Christian Braun. Obviously, Jokic isn’t going anywhere,” Sam Amico of Hoops Wire wrote in his column.

May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches the game from the bench in the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Fortunately for the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic seems content with staying longer with the team. As noted by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Jokic can sign a three-year, $212.2 million extension this offseason, where he’ll earn roughly $65.5 million in the first year.

Denver Nuggets News: David Adelman is promoted as the team’s full-time head coach

The Denver Nuggets didn’t need to look far to find their next head coach by removing the interim tag on David Adelman, who replaced Michael Malone at the helm last month.

Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic Drops 1 Bold Warning For the Rest of the League After Michael Malone's Firing 1 David Adelman is the new interim head coach for the Denver Nuggets after the dismissal of Michael Malone.Credit: Getty Images

Adelman led the team to wins in their final three regular season games, eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, and took the Oklahoma City Thunder to Game 7 in the Western Conference Semifinals.

“I knew he was more ready than people probably thought…David went above and beyond where I thought he would be,” Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke said in a statement.