Nuggets front office aims to maximize Nikola Jokic’s prime, weighing a veteran buyout that could bring floor-spacing and intangibles to the roster. Kevin Love’s expiring deal and buyout chatter, tied to a three-team swap that rearranges Norman Powell, John Collins and Kyle Anderson, looms as a potential upgrade option for Denver’s depth. Cam Johnson’s arrival and Jokic-led core still dominate the rotation, but Denver’s bench could shift if Love links with a contender this fall.

The deal lattice—Heat, Jazz and Clippers exchanging Powell, Collins and Love—creates a chessboard where Denver’s best path to title contention is a balanced mix of Jokic’s prime years, Gordon’s versatility, and wing shooting. Denver’s depth at power forward/center includes Aaron Gordon, Cam Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, and young wings Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther, with DaRon Holmes II and Hunter Tyson providing upside. Love’s veteran presence could stabilize the second unit and add insurance in the postseason, should the buyout materialize.

Durando’s note that Adelman’s Minnesota ties and Love’s willingness to chase a contender keep the narrative alive. Whether Love signs with Denver or merely remains a foil in the front-office chatter, the Nuggets’ path remains clear: sustain Jokic’s peak years, improve spacing, and trust the developmental curve of the youth on hand. The market signal is that Denver won’t stand pat as Jokic ages toward legacy status.

Denver remains a perennial 50-win contender as the Nuggets head into 2025-26 with a coaching transition under David Adelman and a sharpened roster. Bleacher Report’s preview pins Denver at 54-28, four wins better than 2024-25, a mark that would tie for the franchise’s fourth-most all-time. Nikola Jokic stands as the anchor, with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon in position to push the offense, while the return of Bruce Brown and the addition of Tim Hardaway Jr. strengthen the wing and secondary scoring. In the frontcourt, Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas join a core that already includes Christian Braun, DaRon Holmes II, and Julian Strawther, giving Denver increasing floor spacing, savvy finishing, and interior presence.

The Nuggets open the season October 23 vs. Golden State, a showcase for their revamped rotation and Adelman’s system. FanDuel’s over/under sits at 53.5 wins, underscoring the expectation of a tight, high-caliber campaign. The chatter around Jokic remains that he’s the near-unanimous top asset in the world, with Burns of the fan base in Milwaukee, L.A., and Oklahoma City still debating the case for others. Denver’s mix of MVP-caliber talent and reinforced depth keeps them squarely in the championship mix as they chase another deep playoff run.

As the NBA Playoffs continue, attention shifts to the Denver Nuggets and their season recap, reflecting on both the highs and lows of their journey. Finishing with a commendable 50-32 record, the Nuggets secured the fourth seed in the Western Conference but faced a tumultuous season filled with injuries and roster changes. Nikola Jokic, the superstar center, maintained his elite status, averaging nearly a triple-double, but the team struggled with bench production and key injuries, particularly to Aaron Gordon.

The franchise underwent significant changes late in the regular season, parting ways with head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth in a shakeup that likely indicates a shift in strategy moving forward. With no draft picks this year, their offseason will focus on bolstering the roster around Jokic, who remains locked into a max contract through 2028. Upcoming decisions will determine if younger players can step up to support the franchise’s ambitions for another title run.

Gonzaga Bulldogs alumni Chet Holmgren and Julian Strawther are set to compete in a pivotal Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Denver Nuggets. Holmgren, the Thunder's standout rookie, boasts averages of 15 points and 8 rebounds per game, showcasing remarkable versatility. His defensive prowess has been a cornerstone for Oklahoma City throughout the playoffs. In contrast, Strawther has emerged as a vital contributor for the Nuggets, particularly evident in his electrifying Game 6 performance with 15 points, including three critical three-pointers.

This matchup is significant for Gonzaga fans, celebrating the journey of these former Bulldogs who, just years ago, played together under Mark Few. Their success in the NBA reflects the strong foundation built during their collegiate careers, and the stakes couldn't be higher as they vie for a place in the Western Conference Finals.