JUST IN: Croatian NBA Star’s Future Uncertain as Nuggets Hope for Contract Exit…
Croatian NBA star may have already played his final game with the Denver Nuggets, and that might actually benefit the team…
Last offseason, the Nuggets signed Šarić to a two-year contract worth $10.4 million — a decision that now appears questionable. In his limited appearances (only 16 games), he averaged just 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.
The primary concern with Šarić’s deal is the $5.4 million player option he holds for the 2025–26 season. While he technically has the choice to opt out and test free agency, it’s highly unlikely he’ll do so. The odds of another team offering him a similar salary are low, meaning he’d likely be walking away from guaranteed money.
In April, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post reported that Šarić intends to pick up his player option — hardly a shocking development. He has until June 29 to make it official, just before free agency begins. At the time, Šarić mentioned he’d consult with his family after the season to decide what was best for his future.
There is a simple way Denver could remove Šarić’s salary from their cap sheet next season, but it hinges on his decision. Šarić joined the Nuggets last summer over an offer from Panathinaikos, and now other overseas teams like Dubai Basketball and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in acquiring him.
So, will Šarić remain with the Nuggets?
Denver is unlikely to buy out his contract, and trading him would probably require the team to include draft picks — something they’d prefer to avoid. If Šarić is looking for a bigger role — something he won’t get in Denver — he might consider playing abroad and declining his option.
Šarić initially signed with the expectation of being a meaningful part of the rotation, but that didn’t materialize. He didn’t play at all in December or March, and his last appearance was on April 2, when he scored four points in seven minutes against San Antonio. Under interim coach David Adelman, he saw no playing time — a decision that wasn’t surprising given Denver’s competitive focus.
Meanwhile, 37-year-old DeAndre Jordan consistently received playing time over the 31-year-old Šarić, a clear indication of how the coaching staff viewed his value. With GM Calvin Booth, who signed Šarić, no longer with the team, Denver is shifting priorities. The team’s main goal this offseason is to strengthen their bench, which will be more difficult if Šarić stays on the payroll.
Ultimately, the Nuggets are hoping Šarić chooses to take his talents overseas. If he does, it could be a win-win situation — a fresh opportunity for him and much-needed roster flexibility for Denver.
