The Denver Nuggets are entering a transformative offseason marked by significant coaching and roster changes. After making the surprising decision to part ways with head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth at the end of the regular season, the Nuggets did impressively well in the playoffs, taking the Los Angeles Clippers to a grueling seven-game series. The team has now appointed Adelman as the new head coach and has initiated an active phase in their roster management, highlighted by a blockbuster trade sending Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson.

In addition, they signed fan-favorite guard Bruce Brown and completed a deal sending Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas. However, Valanciunas’ future remains uncertain following reports of a lucrative offer from Panathinaikos Athens in Greece, potentially signaling a return to Europe as he contemplates retirement or a buyout from his current contract.

The Denver Nuggets are already facing changes for the 2025-26 season, with major shifts occurring even before the current offseason kicks off. Owner Josh Kroenke has made a surprising move by firing reigning championship coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, appointing David Adelman as the interim head coach and Ben Tazer as the interim GM. Although Adelman has secured his long-term position, Tazer's future remains uncertain.

Despite finishing the regular season with a commendable 50-32 record, the Nuggets' playoff journey ended in disappointment against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where injuries hampered key players Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon. As the offseason approaches, former MVP Russell Westbrook is expected to decline his player option and enter free agency, after providing reliable scoring off the bench. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are looking to leverage their financial flexibility to bolster their roster around stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as they aim for championship glory.

The New York Knicks are clearly in a championship-or-bust mode, as evidenced by their recent decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau. This bold move comes after Thibodeau led the Knicks to four playoff appearances in five seasons, dramatically improving the team’s playoff success from previous years. However, team president Leon Rose and owner James Dolan appear to believe that a new coach with a better track record is required to push this roster, now bolstered by trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, to the next level.

The Knicks are rumored to be seeking a head coach who can effectively utilize the bench and bring a fresh perspective. Among the potential candidates, Michael Malone stands out due to his New York roots and championship experience with the Denver Nuggets. Yet, concerns linger about whether he would merely replicate Thibodeau’s approach.

Another intriguing option is Jay Wright, who once coached several key players on the current roster at Villanova; however, his desire to return to coaching is questionable. Johnnie Bryant, a former Knicks assistant, could also be a strong candidate, though hiring an untested coach comes with risks.

With Tom Thibodeau's surprising exit from the New York Knicks, speculation is rampant about who will take the helm. Among the top candidates is Michael Malone, a local hero who started his NBA journey with the Knicks. Malone's impressive resume, including leading the Denver Nuggets to a championship in 2023, makes him a strong contender. The Knicks are keen on a coach with championship experience, and Malone fits that bill.

Other names in the mix include Mike Budenholzer and Jay Wright, but Malone’s connection to the organization and his proven success elevate his candidacy. The Knicks' focus is clear: they aim to win a championship, and bringing Malone back could signal a shift toward that goal.