**Nuggets Offseason Outlook: Urgent Action Needed to Maximize Nikola Jokić’s Prime**
The Denver Nuggets face a critical offseason following their Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 18, 2025, with the consensus being that they must act swiftly to bolster their roster around Nikola Jokić, who is in the peak of his prime at age 30. Yahoo Sports and CBSSports.com emphasize that Denver is wasting Jokić’s championship window, with the three-time MVP averaging 27.4 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in the 2025 playoffs, per primetimesportstalk.com. The Nuggets’ failure to reach the Western Conference Finals in consecutive seasons, coupled with injuries to key players like Aaron Gordon (doubtful for Game 7 due to a hamstring strain) and Michael Porter Jr.’s shoulder issues, underscores the urgency for change.
**Key Challenges and Financial Constraints**
The Nuggets’ payroll, dominated by Jokić’s $55.2 million and Jamal Murray’s $50.4 million salaries for 2025-26, leaves them with limited cap flexibility, per hoopshype.com. With Jokić eligible for a three-year, $212 million extension this offseason, which he’s expected to sign, per sports.yahoo.com, Denver’s ability to add talent is restricted to minimum-salary signings and trades. The loss of depth from their 2023 championship roster, including departures like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, has left the team reliant on Jokić and an inconsistent supporting cast. Posts on X, like @ClutchPoints, highlight the lack of shooting and creation outside Jokić and Murray, while @SwipaCam notes the unprecedented absence of an All-Star alongside Jokić.
**Offseason Priorities**
1. **Front Office Overhaul**: The Nuggets need a new general manager to replace Calvin Booth, whose conservative 2024 offseason led to a projected 49-50 win season, down from 57, per YouTube’s Trade Deadline analysis. A proactive GM is crucial to navigate the tight cap space, per chatsports.com.
2. **Trade Targets**: Bleacherreport.com suggests pursuing veterans like Zach LaVine or Brandon Ingram to add scoring punch, though Denver’s limited trade assets—primarily young players like Christian Braun and draft picks—complicate deals, per @AndrewDBailey on X. Sportingnews.com stresses the need for a reliable third option to complement Jokić.
3. **Depth and Health**: Addressing Gordon’s injury and Porter’s inconsistency is vital. Forbes.com notes the challenge of maximizing Jokić’s contract, which runs through 2026-27 with a player option, per reddit.com.
**Sentiment and Stakes**
The sentiment on X, from users like @AmicoHoops, reflects frustration, with calls for coaching and roster shake-ups. Charles Barkley’s plea on NBAonTNT, “You cannot waste this guy’s prime,” resonates as Denver faces pressure to act decisively. Without bold moves, the Nuggets risk squandering Jokić’s GOAT-level prime, per @SwipaCam, and falling short of their championship aspirations in 2026.[](https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nuggets-offseason-outlook-denver-needs-to-act-now-to-stop-wasting-nikola-jokics-prime-224158978.html)[](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/whats-next-for-nuggets-denver-is-wasting-nikola-jokics-title-window-and-has-to-be-aggressive-to-fix-that/)
