Denver Nuggets owner reveals when Nikola Jokic could be traded, ‘a scenario where…’

Denver Nuggets would consider trading Nikola Jokic if second apron restrictions become too stringent

Speaking during a Denver Nuggets press conference, owner Josh Kroenke was discussing the challenges of building the roster under the NBA’s new CBA rules.

He mentioned that while the Nuggets aren’t afraid of the second apron, the restrictions combined with an ill-timed injury could force their hand to trade Nikola Jokic.

“For us as an organization, going into that second apron is not necessarily something that we’re scared of. I think there are rules around it that we need to be very careful of with our injury history.

“The wrong person gets injured, and very quickly, you’re in a scenario where I never want to contemplate it, and that’s trading #15 (Jokic).

“We’re very conscious of that, pushing forward. providing the resources we can when the moment arrives. But that second apron, is it a hard cap? I’m not 100% sure. But it’s something that teams are very aware of going forward.”

Josh Kroenke stuck in difficult position with new CBA salary cap rules

As Kroenke mentioned, the Denver Nuggets are actively trying to evaluate their roster to try and improve their team.

Newly appointed executive vice president Ben Tenzer and John Wallace will have to look at their roster and see what changes they can make this offseason.

But having signed Jamal Murray to a five-year, $207 million contract and Michael Porter Jr. making nearly $80 million over the next two years, they have very little cap space to add players to their roster.

It’s not like the Nuggets will have a big trade market for either Murray or Porter. Both stars have an injury history that scares other teams, and their performances have dipped in quality over the last few years.

With Russell Westbrook declining his Nuggets’ player option, the team has very few avenues to improve their roster ahead of the new season, other than going over the first and second aprons.