Dario Šarić Exercises $5.4M Player Option for 2025–26 Season with Denver Nuggets
Despite limited playing time and interest from overseas teams, Croatian forward commits to second season in Denver
Dario Šarić has officially picked up his $5.4 million player option for the 2025–26 NBA season, choosing to remain with the Denver Nuggets rather than pursue offers reportedly available from international clubs. The decision, first reported by NBA insider Marc Stein, locks Šarić into a second year with the team despite his underwhelming debut season.
Rumors had circulated that clubs such as Dubai Basketball and Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe were eager to bring Šarić back to Europe. However, the Croatian big man opted to stay in the NBA, possibly banking on a new opportunity under a different coaching regime or aiming to rebuild his value for future free agency.
Šarić appeared in just 16 games this past season, totaling only 210 minutes — a stark contrast to the expectations that accompanied his signing. For many in the Nuggets’ front office and fan base, his performance did not justify the two-year, $10.6 million contract he signed using the taxpayer mid-level exception (TPMLE). Instead, his presence became a sore spot on the payroll.
Underwhelming Performance and Unmet Expectations
When former general manager Calvin Booth brought Šarić on board, it was seen as a savvy move. The forward had a proven résumé from his time in Phoenix and Philadelphia, where he demonstrated the ability to stretch the floor, facilitate the offense, and provide frontcourt versatility. On paper, he seemed like an ideal backup to MVP center Nikola Jokić.
But those expectations never materialized. Despite being fully healthy, Šarić barely saw playing time and contributed modest stats: 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. These numbers fall short of what’s typically expected from even a veteran minimum player, let alone someone earning over $5 million.
Šarić’s struggles weren’t entirely individual, though. Part of the issue was systemic — the envisioned “small-ball” center role didn’t fit within head coach Michael Malone’s tighter rotation. The hoped-for chemistry with Russell Westbrook and the spacing benefits never materialized, pushing Šarić deeper down the bench.
Cap Complications and Financial Impact
His decision to opt in now places further strain on Denver’s already tight salary cap. Without his contract on the books, the Nuggets would have been just below the NBA’s first luxury tax apron, which is projected at $195.9 million. But with Šarić’s deal (and the expected return of Julian Strawther), the team’s payroll now exceeds $196 million.
Crossing the first apron brings significant roster-building limitations. The Nuggets will be unable to complete sign-and-trade deals, won’t have access to certain waived players, and face tougher salary-matching restrictions in trades. All of these constraints limit the team’s flexibility in building a championship-caliber roster around Jokić.
Given Denver’s narrow window to compete at the highest level during Jokić’s prime, every contract — especially mid-level ones — carries added weight. Šarić’s salary, while not massive, now forces the front office to be more creative in finding cost-effective solutions to improve the roster.
Can New Coach David Adelman Revive Šarić’s Role?
A major variable that could shift Šarić’s narrative is the recent coaching change. After Michael Malone’s dismissal, assistant coach David Adelman was promoted to head coach and successfully led the team through the playoffs, reaching the second round.
Adelman has already shown a willingness to experiment with rotations and could be more inclined to find ways to utilize Šarić’s skill set — particularly his court vision, passing, and outside shooting. However, even during Denver’s injury-depleted playoff run, Šarić didn’t see the floor, suggesting that he has significant ground to cover to re-enter the regular rotation.
Still, the coaching reset may open doors that were previously closed. If Adelman can craft a system that taps into Šarić’s strengths, the forward may yet salvage his time in Denver.
Next Season: Hope and Responsibility
By opting in, Šarić is not just extending his contract — he’s creating a new opportunity for both himself and the Nuggets. From Denver’s side, the challenge is turning a costly underperformance into a viable asset. For Šarić, it’s a chance to redeem a disappointing season and prove he still belongs in the league.
Nuggets fans will be hoping for at least competent, rotational-level production — ideally around 15 minutes per game — to justify the salary. If Šarić continues to fall short of expectations, it will go down as yet another expensive misstep for a team with no margin for error in its pursuit of another championship.
