Denver Nuggets eye roster changes or stability after playoff exit in 2026

Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke backs coach David Adelman despite a disappointing playoff exit and suggests possible roster changes for 2026-27.

Coach Adelman's future remains secure The president and governor of the Denver Nuggets expressed strong confidence in coach David Adelman on Friday, despite the team’s early playoff exit. Speaking at Ball Arena, Josh Kroenke declared his unwavering support for Adelman, emphasizing the coach’s strong season overall. Kroenke stated, "I have full faith in Coach Adelman. And I think he coached a hell of a season, all things considered." He acknowledged the team’s 12-game winning streak before the playoffs but admitted the Nuggets were outmatched by Minnesota in six games. ## Playoff struggles and injury concerns The Nuggets, who finished third in the Western Conference at 54-38, fell to the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Minnesota’s toughness and resilience proved decisive, while Denver faced persistent injury issues. Key players Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson missed significant time, continuing a trend where all starters and reserves dealt with injuries throughout the season. Across the entire year, including the playoffs, Nuggets players missed a combined 245 games. ## Possible roster moves and player value Kroenke indicated that while he values the current roster’s makeup, he is open to making changes, including trades for most players except Nikola Jokic. He highlighted All-Star Jamal Murray as a potential trade target, noting Murray would likely attract significant interest and assets. Jokic, a three-time MVP, is eligible for a four-year maximum contract extension worth up to $290 million this summer and has expressed interest in signing it. ## Adelman’s leadership under pressure Kroenke pointed to the team’s performance without Jokic as evidence of Adelman’s adaptability and effectiveness. During a 10-6 stretch when Jokic was injured, Adelman and his staff implemented creative lineup strategies. Adelman previously replaced Michael Malone late in a previous season and led Denver to a first-round playoff win before falling in seven games in the second round. ## Front office changes and recent moves After last season’s playoff exit, Denver hired Ben Tenzer as executive vice president of basketball operations and Jonathan Wallace as executive vice president of player personnel, effectively splitting the duties of former GM Calvin Booth, who was fired along with Malone. Tenzer and Wallace executed trades, including sending Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn in exchange for Cam Johnson, and added depth with players like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. ## Health and financial hurdles ahead Kroenke praised Tenzer and Wallace for their summer moves, suggesting that a fully healthy team could have won 60 to 65 games. He emphasized that everything remains on the table for the upcoming season, including keeping the roster intact. However, financial constraints loom large, as Denver’s projected starting lineup salary is set to exceed $184 million next season, including extensions for Christian Braun and Gordon. ## Braun’s extension and Watson’s future Christian Braun’s injury-plagued season and underperformance following his extension signed last offseason have complicated Denver’s financial flexibility. The team now faces challenges in re-signing Peyton Watson, who could command $20 million or more annually. Tenzer acknowledged Watson’s growth, stating, "Peyton had a great year. He obviously grew a lot. I said it at the beginning of the season, we hope Peyton's a Nugget for a very long time, he's been great for us." ## Gordon’s health critical for success The Nuggets are also focused on getting Aaron Gordon healthy, as his absences in the past two postseasons have impacted the performance of stars Jokic and Murray. Kroenke stressed the need for collective improvement, saying, "We have to all look in the mirror and say, 'A.G., how can we help you?'" He described Gordon as a key figure whose health benefits the entire team, from leadership to training staff.