What's next for Nikola Jokic, Nuggets after stunning collapse vs. Timberwolves?

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets suffered an embarrassing playoff series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. Minnesota was without star guard Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo for multiple games due to injuries, yet the Nuggets failed to capitalize on the Timberwolves' setbacks.

Jokic is set to sign a lucrative contract extension this summer. The question now becomes: what moves should the Nuggets make this offseason to reestablish themselves as a true contender next season? 

Denver's shocking playoff exit

The Nuggets fell behind 3-1 to the Timberwolves, but things appeared to shift due to the fact that DiVincenzo suffered a right Achilles tear in Game 4 and Edwards was ruled out for multiple weeks with a hyperextended left knee.

Since Minnesota's backcourt was depleted, Denver was expected to make a rare comeback from a 3-1 deficit. However, the Timberwolves had other plans. Even without Edwards, the Timberwolves' role players stepped up in a major way to keep the ship afloat. Guard Ayo Dosunmu erupted for 43 points in the Game 4 victory, while in Game 6, Jaden McDaniels contributed 32 points and 10 rebounds, and Terrence Shannon Jr. added 24 points to close out the series and eliminate the Nuggets.

Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert lived up to his four-time Defensive Player of the Year pedigree, providing consistent, solid defense against Jokic throughout the series. In fact, the three-time MVP posted a true shooting percentage of 55.4 percent — the lowest in his playoff career.

Denver's defense allowed Minnesota to score over 100 points in each contest, while the Timberwolves also shot an efficient 46.8% from the field as a team.

The key in Game 6 for the Timberwolves was to go big, as they filled the paint with Naz Reid and Julius Randle. Overall, the Timberwolves won the rebounding battle 50-33 and had a 64-40 advantage in points in the paint. 

What should Denver do to improve in the offseason?

It's fair to say that Jokic is likely going to stay put in Denver. Jokic is the franchise's best player in its history, and the front office will do whatever it takes to keep their cornerstone piece. 

However, the five-year, $125 million contract extension that belongs to guard Christian Braun may hinder the Nuggets from making strong roster moves. Braun only averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists against the Timberwolves. If Denver can find a team that is willing to take on that contract, the franchise will have a lot more breathing room. 

Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, 30, has three years and $103 million remaining on his contract. However, Gordon played in just 36 games due to injuries during the regular season and played in only three games in the postseason. It's safe to say Gordon hasn't been the same caliber of player he was during the Nuggets' 2023 championship run. 

Other notable players the Nuggets should consider moving are center Jonas Valanciunas, wing Julian Strawther and backup forward Zeke Nnaji. Valanciunas averaged 13 minutes per game and failed to make a meaningful impact, while Strawther's and Nnaji's roles diminished throughout the season, making them logical trade candidates.

Perhaps it's also time to consider placing star guard Jamal Murray on the trade block. Murray had an incredible regular season and still carries significant trade value.