What NBA Champion Denver Nuggets look like going into free agency

The Denver Nuggets secured their first NBA Title in their 47 year history, but their coach Michael Malone was already thinking about rattling off multiple championships as the confetti fell at Ball Arena. With free agency looming, the defending champs are going to have to revamp the roster, keeping some key pieces, letting some go in order to find others hidden gems the market.

Looking for a repeat

It’s not easy to build a dynasty in the NBA. If it was easy everyone would do it. But keeping a franchise at the summit of the league for multiple years requires good coaches, good players and a front office that puts those players and coaches in a position to succeed for a long time.

There is no question that the Nuggets have an incredible base to build on. They have two time MVP Nikola Jokic and superstar guard Jamal Murray as the nucleus of the team, and then there’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. who proved to be perfect compliments Michael Malone’s roster.

KCP is the only one from that group whose contract runs out within the next two offseasons (2024), but there were other key pieces to the puzzle for Denver in their championship run. Now it’s time for those in the front office to resign some of those free agents to be, or let them walk in hopes of replacing them in the market.

Here are the players on the verge of entering the free agent pool:

Ish Smith: last year’s salary, $4,612,500

Ish set a record last season signing and playing for his 13th NBA team over the course of his long career. Given his tendency to move from city to city it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith leave the Mile High franchise this offseason. He played in just four postseason games averaging three minutes per outing.

Jeff Green: last year’s salary, $4,500,000

The elder statesman and the veteran in the locker room, Jeff Green played a big role in the Nuggets path to the NBA title. He was one of seven players to play in all 20 post season games and came up with some big moments in the postseason, showing that the 36 year old still go has plenty in the tank.

Reggie Jackson: last year’s salary, $918,615

Jackson joined on in the Mile High City just in time to get a ring, but could be on his way out the door. He played just six postseason games on a team that is pretty thin at the PG position after Jamal Murray. The one good thing about Jackson is that he is unlikely to take up too much cap space, earning under a million dollars last year.

Thomas Bryant: last year’s salary, $2,133,278

Bryant came to Denver from LA in the middle of the season after being a pretty consistent starting center for the Lakers to begin the campaign. Once in the Mile High City he backed up Nikola Jokic, which is like being Bette Midler’s understudy in Rochelle, Rochelle (Seinfeld reference).

Bruce Brown: last year’s salary, $6,640,975

This is one that the Nuggets are really going to have to think about. Bruce Brown was been made a massive impact in the Rockies ever since joining from Brooklyn last offseason. He averaged 11.5 points in the regular season and 12 ppg in the playoffs, but is known even more for being defensive specialist. Brown will be looking for more money and maybe a bigger role after a break out last couple of seasons.

DeAndre Jordan: last year’s salary, $2,905,851

Jordan has been around the block more than a few times in his lengthy NBA career. He can’t jump out of the gym or rebound the way he used to, but he played in almost half of the regular season games, but just four playoff games. The question is, will an aging back up center be worth a new contract for a team that needs to give their MVP some rest from time to time.

Collin Gillespie (restricted): last year’s salary, not listed

I honestly don’t know who Gillespie is and since his salary from last year isn’t listed, I can’t tell you much.

Jack White (restricted): last year’s salary, not listed

See Gillespie recap.