Which Denver Nuggets Face the Most Pressure to Perform Next Season?

If the Denver Nuggets plan to run back the same roster next season, several players will enter the year under immense pressure. Another disappointing season could lead to even more major roster changes than what’s taken place so far. 

After an embarrassing first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025-26 playoffs, the tension to bounce back in Denver remains quite high. With free agency underway, fans are somewhat surprised that the Nuggets have yet to make any substantial moves.

Whether Denver keeps its current roster intact or makes additional changes, many current Nuggets will enter next season with more to prove than others. If injuries and continued underperformance persist for certain players, Denver will likely move on from them. After all, the Nuggets cannot afford to waste Nikola Jokić’s prime.

That said, here are the Nuggets facing the most pressure heading into next season.

5. Nikola Jokić

Under the least pressure on this list is Jokić, and for good reason. He has nothing left to prove. As a three-time MVP and NBA champion, Jokić already ranks as the greatest player in franchise history.

However, there is still pressure surrounding him. Denver’s championship window depends heavily on his ability to perform at an elite level.

With the possibility of waiting until next offseason to sign an extension, Jokić could eventually become a free agent. Although it is extremely unlikely that he won’t re-sign, waiting adds a layer of uncertainty. One thing is clear with the NBA: unexpected decisions can and will happen.

Recently, following a FIBA World Cup game, Jokić expressed his intention to sign with the Nuggets next summer and spend the rest of his career in Denver. This should ease concerns, as fans grew worried after reports about Jokić waiting to sign.

While Denver moving on from Jokić remains nearly impossible to imagine, his ability to continue playing at a high level will shape what happens next for the franchise.

4. Jamal Murray

Next season, Murray is under pressure to perform, but still not as much as others on this list. Although reports surfaced that everyone on the Denver Nuggets’ roster besides Jokić is available in trade discussions, Murray’s chemistry with Jokić makes him one of the more secure pieces on the roster.

Also, Murray is coming off the best season of his career. Denver is unlikely to break up this duo anytime soon. 

However, if Murray does not perform as well next season or experiences significant injuries, the Nuggets may need to explore other options to stay in contention.

Denver could also consider moving him sooner rather than later, especially while his value remains high and if the front office determines that roster adjustments are necessary. Recently, rumors have frequently mentioned Murray’s name in trade discussions involving Jaylen Brown. 

Even though the Brown-for-Murray trade did not happen, the Nuggets may find themselves in a similar position next offseason. Ultimately, Murray’s future in Denver will depend on whether he can continue proving that he is the right player to help Jokić compete for championships.

3. Cameron Johnson

The pressure really begins to mount at No. 3 with Cameron Johnson.

After an underwhelming first season in Denver, he remains a popular name being mentioned in trade rumors. If the Nuggets keep him heading into next season, Johnson will need to prove he can be a meaningful contributor.

From an efficiency standpoint, Johnson just played the best season of his career in Denver. He averaged 12.2 points (48% FG, 43% 3PT, 84% FT) over 54 games. However, he was acquired to replace Michael Porter Jr.‘s production, if not surpass it, but failed to meet those expectations. 

The Nuggets need Johnson at his best to be legitimate championship contenders. With the recent departure of Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver will rely on Johnson’s three-point shooting more than ever.

If he gets off to another slow start, it would not be surprising to see the Nuggets move on from him, especially with their possibility of crossing into the second apron. For the time being, reports revealed that the 2nd apron is not currently a driving factor for Denver.

2. Aaron Gordon

Although he is considered “Mr. Nugget,” Aaron Gordon enters next season under significant pressure.

After several seasons of nagging injuries, Denver has repeatedly felt his absence on the court. Unless Gordon puts together a healthy, efficient season, the Nuggets could explore trading him. 

Denver needs players who can consistently contribute to winning basketball. Gordon has proven he can do that in the past, but availability in recent years has become a growing concern. As Gordon remains an impactful player when healthy, other teams are still willing to acquire him. If the right offer becomes available, the Nuggets may be inclined to move on from him if injuries persist. 

Like Murray, reports hinted that Gordon was involved in trade discussions for Brown.

Next season is very important for Gordon if he wants to remain a Nugget going forward.

1. Christian Braun

Braun comes in at the top spot among all the members of the Denver Nuggets.

After signing a five-year, $125 million rookie contract extension last summer, expectations for Braun have never been higher. Denver’s front office committed to that contract with the expectation that he would continue to develop into a larger contributor.

However, that was not the case last season. 

Although he dealt with injuries throughout the season, playing a career-low 44 games, Braun struggled to justify his new contract. Nearly every statistic dropped for Braun compared to the season prior, especially his efficiency.

He went from averaging 15.4 points per game (58% FG, 40% 3PT, 83% FT) to 12 points per game (52% FG, 30% 3PT, 78% FT). This is not the production Denver hoped to see in the first season of his extension.

With Peyton Watson currently a free agent, reports indicate that if the Nuggets want to re-sign him, he could seek a larger contract than Braun’s. After all, Watson just put together the best season of his career last year.

This has put Denver in a tough spot. They will likely go over the second apron if they re-sign Watson, unless changes are made. After a disappointing season, Braun has become one of the more likely trade candidates to make this work. This is due to Braun having the largest contract on the Nuggets outside of the core three of Jokić, Murray, and Gordon.

As a name that has appeared most frequently in Nuggets’ trade discussions, Braun will enter next season under the most pressure on the roster if he remains in Denver.