After the Denver Nuggets’ first-round playoff exit, several flaws on the roster became impossible to ignore. Now comes the Nuggets’ offseason, and with that, plenty of tough decisions to make.
Injuries, defensive struggles, and inconsistent production exposed many of the weaknesses that contributed to Denver’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. A disappointing end to the year calls for a retooling. It’s going to force the team’s front office to make moves to have a chance to be contenders again next season.
Nikola Jokić is 31 years old. While he still finished second in MVP voting this season, the Nuggets cannot waste their championship window with Jokić. The Nuggets leadership is certainly feeling the pressure, making it clear that all players other than Jokić are potentially tradable.
With little cap flexibility, the Nuggets’ offseason will rely on exploring trades if they want to improve the roster. As Denver enters a crucial summer, the front office must identify players who can address the team’s weaknesses while remaining in championship contention.
Biggest Needs for Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets’ 2025-26 roster featured clear holes during the playoffs. Injuries impacted both Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson during the first round. With both sidelined, Denver struggled defensively against Minnesota.
However, the Nuggets cannot rely solely on a few players to maintain a strong defensive identity. Injuries are becoming more common across the NBA. As a result, roster depth and defensive versatility are essential for any title contender. Denver’s offseason moves should prioritize adding reliable defenders while improving the team’s overall defensive consistency.
During the series, Jaden McDaniels openly stated that he believed much of Denver’s roster consisted of weak defenders.
“Go at Jokic, Jamal (Murray), all the bad defenders,” McDaniels told reporters. “Tim Hardaway, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, their whole team. Just go at them.”
Minnesota backed up those comments with its performance, defeating the Nuggets in six games despite injuries to Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
Other than defense, the Nuggets also need players who can bring a stronger competitive mentality to the roster.
Throughout the first round, there were multiple moments where Denver appeared mentally defeated. The Nuggets failed to capitalize, even though the T-Wolves were short-handed for several games.
After McDaniels’ comments, the Nuggets showed little response on the court. Even in elimination situations, their energy and urgency often failed to reflect that of a contender. Adding more vocal leaders and high-energy players this offseason could help reestablish the mentality and intensity Denver lacked.
Although the Nuggets also need improvements in ball handling and athleticism, defense and mental toughness should remain the team’s top priorities this offseason.
Nuggets Should Target Derrick White
One realistic option for the Denver Nuggets could be Derrick White of the Boston Celtics.
White fits many of Denver’s current needs. He’ll bring elite defense and strong leadership. White finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting this year. He’s placed in the top three in each of the last three years.
With recent reports indicating Boston could move on from White this offseason, the Nuggets should make it clear they are interested.
However, trading for White would not provide the Nuggets with immediate cap relief.
White is currently in the middle of a four-year, $125.9 million contract. A deal for White would likely require Denver to include Christian Braun and his five-year, $125 million deal to match salary. Given both their respective trade values, Denver might have to pay extra to swap Braun for White.
Moving Braun could also give the Nuggets more flexibility in the long term. White’s contract expires sooner and includes a player option in the final year. This could allow Denver to create cap flexibility sooner, with Braun’s deal running through the 2030-31 season.
Trey Murphy III is Another Option for Nuggets
The Nuggets could also look to Trey Murphy III as another name to consider trading for this offseason. Murphy could address many of the Nuggets’ issues, bringing defense and athleticism.
Depending on what happens with Gordon and/or Watson, the current New Orleans Pelicans forward could potentially help fill a similar role.
The 6-foot-8 forward with a long wingspan has developed into a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. During the 2025-26 season, Murphy averaged 1.5 steals per game, a career high and tied for 22nd-best in the league.
His athleticism and shooting would also allow him to fit seamlessly alongside Jokić.
Murphy is also coming off his second consecutive year scoring over 20 points a game. He shot 38% from three this year. He would give Denver another reliable floor spacer around Jokić. He also brings transition scoring and energy, two areas where the Nuggets noticeably struggled during their first-round loss.
Still only 25 years old, Murphy could strengthen Denver’s current roster and be a long-term piece for the franchise.
Like White, Denver trading for Murphy would not significantly improve the team’s cap concerns. Murphy is set to make $27 million next season. He’ll remain under contract for two more years. However, Denver can pair different contracts together to match his salary. Braun or Cameron Johnson could headline a potential package, while contracts like Zeke Nnaji’s and Julian Strawther’s provide additional flexibility.
The Denver Nuggets’ championship window remains centered around Jokić. With that in mind, the franchise needs offseason additions who can immediately contribute to winning. Both White and Murphy would help address many of Denver’s current weaknesses while fitting alongside Jokić’s playstyle.
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