As a small-market team, the Denver Nuggets have historically struggled to attract All-Star-level talent through free agency. In fact, some rankings consider Antonio McDyess to be the franchise’s greatest free-agent acquisition of all time. Though McDyess was an All-Star and an All-NBA selection in Denver, the franchise’s inability to sign a more impactful free agent since 1999 highlights the difficulties the Nuggets have faced in attracting top-tier talent.
Fortunately for Denver, the organization has found great success through the NBA Draft. The Nuggets drafted and developed many key contributors on the current roster, including Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, instead of just signing free agents.
While Denver has rarely relied on free agency to build its core, attracting talent throughout the league remains important for championship contention. Playing alongside Jokić and competing for a title are clear advantages, but the realities of being a small-market franchise present challenges that may deter free agents.
Recent Free Agency Signings
Throughout the Nuggets’ history, the franchise has rarely attracted superstar talent through free agency. However, they have been able to land quality role players to build stronger supporting casts around their star players.
The most impactful signings in recent years have been Tim Hardaway Jr and Bruce Brown. Though both are currently free agents, each played an important role in Denver’s success. Brown was a key contributor to Denver’s 2023 championship run and later returned to provide valuable depth and energy off the bench. In addition, Hardaway brought reliable perimeter shooting and veteran leadership to the roster during this past season.
Both players signed one-year veteran minimum deals to play for the Nuggets in 2025. This demonstrates a desire among some free agents to join Denver. Brown’s decision to return after spending two seasons elsewhere further supports this notion. Hardaway also had the option to sign with other teams last offseason but ultimately chose Denver. Both signing minimum deals reflected their willingness to be part of the Nuggets’ system.
Jokic’s Ability to Make Others Better
A main reason free agents may want to come to Denver is the opportunity to play with Jokić. It is well known that Jokić makes the game easier for his teammates. His passing and ability to draw the defense towards him create open looks for his teammates.
Players such as Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were able to secure larger contracts elsewhere after thriving alongside Jokić.
Brown had a career year in his first year with the Nuggets. He averaged 11.5 points (48% FG, 36% 3PT, 76% FT), 3.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds over 80 games. Although he initially continued playing well after leaving, he was unable to replicate the same level of production and efficiency he had in Denver.
A similar trend can be seen with Caldwell-Pope. He averaged 10.4 points (46% FG, 42% 3PT, 86% FT), 2.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game in two seasons in Denver. After signing with the Orlando Magic, his efficiency declined. Caldwell-Pope’s three-point percentage dropped to 34%, and his scoring average fell by nearly two points per game.
Aaron Gordon provides another example of Jokić’s impact on his teammates. After being traded to the Nuggets, Gordon’s role changed drastically. In Orlando, he often had to create his own offense and take difficult shots. With the Nuggets, he is able to find wide-open shots and take advantage of the dunker’s spot. The change is also evident in his efficiency. Gordon’s career field goal percentage over seven seasons with the Magic was 45%. In Denver, he has shot 54% over their six seasons together.
The Nuggets’ Practice Facility
While teaming up with Jokić in pursuit of championships is a clear advantage, not every aspect of the organization is viewed positively. Recently, there have been questions about whether Denver’s facilities are on par with those of other NBA franchises.
After Michael Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, a video surfaced of him speaking about Denver’s practice facility. One of the first differences he noticed was that the Nets have two full-sized practice courts, compared to the Nuggets’ single court.
Not having a facility where players can practice efficiently and enjoy spending time may hurt a team’s ability to attract free agents. Practice facilities serve as more than just training centers, as players spend countless hours there working on their game and recovering. If the Nuggets’ facility is inferior to those of other organizations, it could become a disadvantage when competing for free agents.
Owner Josh Kroenke has recently discussed plans for a new state-of-the-art practice facility. However, a larger zoning effort in the Denver area has delayed the start of construction.
Ultimately, as a small-market organization, it is difficult for Denver to compete with larger-market teams for All-Star talent. Yet, the advantage of playing alongside Jokić and his ability to elevate teammates’ careers make the Nuggets a premier destination for free-agent role players.
Leave a comment