Nuggets’ New Front Office Has a Clear Opportunity to Regain Fan Confidence…
Denver Must Get the Offseason Right
The Denver Nuggets’ leadership faces a pivotal offseason after falling short in the Western Conference Semifinals for the second year in a row, losing Game 7. With a pressing desire to win another title during Nikola Jokic’s prime, ownership made the bold choice to part ways with head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just three games before the regular season concluded.
Surprisingly, those dismissals may have reignited the team, as they closed the season with three consecutive wins and advanced past the Clippers in the first playoff round. They then pushed top-seeded Oklahoma City to a full seven-game series before ultimately falling short. While the effort was admirable, it still wasn’t the result the team or its supporters hoped for.
Now, attention turns to the Nuggets’ front office. Fans are eager to see who will take over as general manager—perhaps Ben Tenzer?—after David Adelman had the interim tag removed and was officially named head coach. The incoming GM faces a tough job: improve the team’s roster depth despite limited draft picks and salary cap constraints. They’ll need to work some serious magic to make the necessary upgrades.
A model for success could look like the 2022 offseason, when the Nuggets flipped Will Barton and Monte Morris for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and landed Bruce Brown in free agency—both of whom were instrumental to the team’s championship run. Veteran Jeff Green, added in 2021, also played a key role during that stretch.
Nuggets’ Bench Strength Will Determine Playoff Potential
Denver may have a chance to re-sign Bruce Brown this summer, as he hits free agency once again. He initially left because the Pacers offered a contract the Nuggets couldn’t financially match. However, after stints with Indiana, Toronto, and New Orleans—none of which matched his success in Denver—Brown could be open to returning. His familiarity with the system and proven impact during the title run make him a logical target.
Another option is forward Chris Boucher, a player Denver had eyes on before the 2025 trade deadline. The 32-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Though his role was limited during championship seasons with Golden State (2018) and Toronto (2019), his 2024–25 shooting numbers (49.2% overall and 36.3% from three) and defensive abilities could tempt Denver again. Given the Raptors’ rebuilding path, Boucher’s departure seems likely.
Both Brown and Boucher represent affordable, potentially high-impact signings that could strengthen Denver’s bench. While the Nuggets may not make a headline-grabbing trade (moving Michael Porter Jr. would be the closest possibility), a sequence of smart, under-the-radar moves might be exactly what propels them back into championship contention.
