Mar 8, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard-forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) drives against Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

'We Did Add Depth, And It’s Veteran Depth' – Denver Nuggets’ David Adelman Gets 100% Real on the Team’s Newest Acquisitions

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 9:22 AM ET

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the most productive teams this offseason. They acquired Cameron Johnson , Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas , and Bruce Brown while losing only Dario Saric and Michael Porter Jr. in the process.

Following their recent moves, head coach David Adelman is satisfied with the team’s current make-up ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

“We did (add depth) and it’s veteran depth,” Adelman said via Katy Winge of Altitude Sports. “Guys that have been around the league, guys that have won, have a lot of experiences. With (Jonas) Valanciunas, we added a backup big that we think can really complement our bench but can also complement Nikola (Jokic). Obviously with Tim, the way he shoots the ball and we all know what Bruce does with the energy he brings.

Denver Nuggets Vs Brooklyn Nets Odds, Picks, Moneyline NBA 2024-2025 Season 10/29/2024 2 Mar 19, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) rebounds against Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) and center Day’Ron Sharpe (20) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

“And obviously the Cam (Johnson) trade. It actually really sucks thinking that Mike won’t be back, but we felt like it was time for Mike to move on in his career and to get Cam back in that trade was incredible. We think he’s gonna fit really well, pass and cut player, a shooter and a cog in an offense. And he’s super excited to be here, obviously, so we feel like we did really well,” he added.

Denver Nuggets free agent projected to join Eastern Conference team

One of the Denver Nuggets’ former players is still on the free agent market, as Russell Westbrook is still without a team. According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, he envisions the one-time league MVP heading to the Miami Heat.

Denver Nuggets Could Lose 1-Time NBA MVP to Free Agency to Take Lucrative Offer From Surprise Team 8 May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

“Westbrook would join a guard rotation that features Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell, and rookie Kasparas Jakučionis, giving Miami a dynamic playmaker that can still get downhill and attack a defense,” Swartz wrote. “With making a playoff run still very much the goal, Westbrook can keep the seat warm for a year while Jakučionis learns the NBA game.”

In his lone campaign with the Denver Nuggets, Westbrook embraced his off-the-bench role, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals on 44.9 percent shooting from the field across 75 regular season games.