NBA Trade Rumors: Denver Nuggets will trade Jamal Murray?
As the Denver Nuggets prepare for their final regular season game, the mood is anything but calm. The stunning firings of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth after a four-game losing streak have opened a floodgate of revelations — and exposed deep fractures within the franchise just days before the playoffs.
Booth vs. Malone: A Power Struggle Boils Over
Behind the scenes, the relationship between Malone and Booth had long been described as "frosty," and now it's clear just how deep the divide ran. According to reporting from The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando, the two clashed on everything from roster philosophy to key personnel decisions.
After the Nuggets’ Game 7 loss to the Timberwolves in last year’s Western Conference semifinals, Booth opted not to retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key 3-and-D wing from their 2023 title run. The veteran signed with the Orlando Magic on a 3-year, $66 million deal, a move Malone reportedly strongly opposed.
"Malone grew increasingly frustrated with roster construction after the Nuggets forsook their right to match contract offers for Caldwell-Pope," Durando wrote.
The rift widened when Booth explored trading Jamal Murray — the second star in Denver’s championship duo — and even considered moving Michael Porter Jr. earlier this season.
Roster Decisions That Missed the Mark
Since losing KCP, the Nuggets have made only marginal additions to replace key talent, including:
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Dario Šarić (signed for $10.6 million): Regarded as a major disappointment.
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Russell Westbrook: A confusing addition who never quite fit the Nuggets’ system.
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Zeke Nnaji: Re-signed to a questionable extension despite inconsistent play.
These moves have failed to replicate the depth and defensive identity of the 2023 title team, leaving Nikola Jokić carrying a heavier burden than ever — even while playing at an MVP-caliber level.
What's Next? Major Changes Loom if Playoff Run Falters
Denver still has the firepower to make a deep postseason run, but the internal chaos could undermine their chances. If they exit early — whether in the play-in, first, or second round — massive changes could follow, including:
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Revisiting a Jamal Murray trade
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Putting Michael Porter Jr. back on the market
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Blowing up the roster around Jokić
And with Malone gone, assistant coach David Adelman will take the reins — at least temporarily — as ownership evaluates what’s next.
A Championship Window Closing?
From NBA darlings in 2023 to a team in disarray by 2025, the Nuggets' quick descent highlights how fragile championship windows can be. Losing stability at the top, letting key players walk, and internal friction has cracked the foundation.
Nikola Jokić remains the center of it all — but how long will he stay content if the front office continues to shift beneath his feet?
Denver’s future is uncertain, and the playoffs may determine just how far the unraveling goes.
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