Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Details Emerge From Nikola Jokic's Role In Michael Malone's Firing

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 5:20 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets sent shockwaves throughout the sports world on Tuesday by firing Michael Malone. Malone was a perennial playoff contender and helped deliver the franchise its first title two years ago.

The NBA Playoffs are also set to begin next week, and the Nuggets currently hold a slim lead in the No. 4 position in the Western conference. If they're able to keep that spot, they would have home-court advantage for at least the first round.

Denver has been on a skid, losing seven of its last ten games. The team decided to part ways with Malone after this recent run, despite him leading them to a championship two years ago.

New information around Malone's firing suggests that one player's frustration may have influenced the move.

According to the Action Network's Matt Moore, Nikola Jokic was not consulted about the coaching and front office moves.

Nikola Jokic was informed of the decision earlier today before it was announced today, per sources.

Jokic HAD *NOT* requested a change in front office or coaching, though his evident frustration with this season played a part in ownership's decision-making process.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) April 8, 2025

Moore says that Jokic did not formally request for the general manager to be fired, but that his frustration with the tream this season was reaching a boiling point.

Jokic is once again play an an elite, MVP level. The issue is that players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and others aren't helping in the ways the team needs or how Jokic needs.

The Serbian center has been the NBA MVP three times, and can join truly claim the title of the best player in basketball. Installing a new coach and more of an offense centered around Jokic seems like the smart thing to do, but it's going to take time to get everything right.

Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone gestures in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Ball Arena.Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Malone went 471-327 during his ten season stint with the Denver Nuggets. He led them to the playoffs in six of the last 10 seasons, including each of the last six years. He helped the team reach the Western conference finals in the Florida bubble during the pandemic, where they lost to the eventual NBA champion Lakers.

Jokic doesn't have a reputation for creating issues with his teammates or coaches. In this instance, it seems that the front office was anticipating their star having an issue with Malone returning for another year - no matter how he felt about him personally.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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