Nuggets Journal: 13 Potential Free Agents Denver Could Pursue in the 2025 Offseason…
Who might the Denver Nuggets consider adding to strengthen their roster in the upcoming 2025 offseason? With financial constraints limiting their options, the team will need to make strategic moves to boost their depth.
While teams like the Lakers, Knicks, and Heat can attract players with glamorous city perks, Denver has a unique asset—the “Jokic Effect.” Though they lack the allure of nightlife or beaches, Nikola Jokic’s presence is a major draw. His influence has become a persuasive factor in recruiting, as team president Josh Kroenke explained:
“It’s a key component of our recruiting strategy and has been for years. We don’t make a big deal about it publicly, but if a player has a compatible skill set, playing alongside Jokic could significantly raise their profile—and their paycheck.”
Past examples support this: Jerami Grant (now in Portland), Bruce Brown (Indiana), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Orlando), and potentially Christian Braun (due for an extension) have all benefited from playing alongside Jokic.
Given their financial limitations—the Nuggets are restricted to the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception (TMLE) and minimum contracts—they’ll need to be selective. Most high-demand young free agents likely won’t be available, but some veterans or under-the-radar contributors may be within reach, especially in a market dominated by trades rather than big signings.
Here are 13 potential free-agent targets, including their last team, 2024–25 salary, and age at the start of next season:
1. Bruce Brown (Pelicans, G, 29)
Expiring Salary: $23M
Brown, a former Nugget and playoff contributor, maintains close ties to Denver. His market value is uncertain due to an injury-affected season, but his interest in returning is obvious. He could be a sentimental and realistic signing.
2. Chris Boucher (Raptors, F, 32)
Expiring Salary: $10.8M
Denver considered Boucher at the trade deadline. A versatile 6’9” forward with outside shooting and wing defense, he’d be a logical TMLE target, though luring him from Canada might be tough.
3. Tyus Jones (Suns, G, 29)
Expiring Salary: $3M
Jones had another efficient year offensively but lost his starting role due to defensive struggles. He might suit a short-term deal with a contender like Denver, especially with the pay bump they could offer over Phoenix.
4. Mason Plumlee (Suns, C, 35)
Expiring Salary: $3.3M
A possible reunion candidate, Plumlee remains reliable in short stints and could help manage Jokic’s workload. His rebounding and consistency would offer stability behind the MVP.
5. Larry Nance Jr. (Hawks, F-C, 32)
Expiring Salary: $11.2M
As a backup big, Nance wouldn’t play with Jokic, limiting the “Jokic Effect.” Still, his ability to stretch the floor and play multiple roles when healthy could be valuable.
6. Clint Capela (Hawks, C, 31)
Expiring Salary: $22.3M
If Capela’s market value drops, Denver could try to land him with the TMLE. He’s a traditional big man whose role might shrink in the evolving league but still offers interior defense and rebounding.
7. Luke Kennard (Grizzlies, G, 29)
Expiring Salary: $9.3M
Known for his elite 3-point shooting (45.6% over four seasons), Kennard could provide much-needed spacing and veteran presence behind Christian Braun.
8. Jake LaRavia (Kings, F, 23)
Expiring Salary: $3.4M
A low-volume but effective shooter (42.3% from deep), LaRavia becomes an unrestricted free agent due to a declined option. Denver could compete for him at a modest price.
9. Jae’Sean Tate (Rockets, F, 30)
Expiring Salary: $7.6M
Though his offensive game is limited, Tate offers hustle and perimeter defense—qualities Denver could use off the bench.
10. Dennis Schroder (Pistons, G, 32)
Expiring Salary: $13M
The journeyman guard has playoff experience and international acclaim. If he parts ways with Detroit and Denver moves on from Russell Westbrook, Schroder could chase a title in Denver.
11. Justin Holiday (Unsigned, G, 36)
Despite his age and year-long absence, Holiday once made a notable impact with Denver. Coach Malone reportedly wanted to re-sign him.
12. Brook Lopez (Bucks, C, 37)
Expiring Salary: $23M
Lopez might be out of Denver’s price range, but the idea of a seasoned 7-footer backing up Jokic is intriguing. He can still shoot and defend the rim effectively in short bursts.
13. Taurean Prince (Bucks, F, 31)
Expiring Salary: $3M
Prince had a solid regular season (44% from 3), but struggled to contribute in the playoffs. Still, his shooting could help the Nuggets if they believe he can rise to the occasion in key moments.
Final Thoughts:
With minimal cap flexibility, the Nuggets must leverage the appeal of playing with Jokic and their championship pedigree to attract the right fits—veterans seeking a title or players aiming to boost their value on a contending team. The margin for error is slim, but smart choices could solidify Denver’s rotation for another deep playoff run.
