"He's gonna be coveted" - NBA insider spotlights Nuggets forward's free agency leverage as $150M extension looms
The Denver Nuggets are poised to face a major decision regarding forward Aaron Gordon in the near future, according to Shams Charania. The NBA insider indicated that the Nuggets may have reason to worry if they cannot secure an extension with Gordon, as many teams will likely pursue him in the next offseason if he becomes a free agent.
In a guest appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Charania noted how Aaron Gordon, 29, has yet to receive a new contract with the franchise. The forward is eligible for a substantial extension worth up to $150 million over four years, according to the insider.
“They need to pay him, they know it, but there are some salary restrictions moving forward in the years to come,” Charania said.
“And if they can't get there with an extension with him, you look in the free agency next year with a player option, he's gonna be coveted by any team with cap space. So that is a worry for Denver right now before the start of the regular season.”
Charania noted that after extending the contracts of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic at steep prices, the Nuggets find themselves at a crossroads regarding their financial flexibility going forward.
The Nuggets, the 2023 champions, have had to part ways with players from their championship core to remain under the second apron of the luxury tax, notably losing Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. To compensate, they have brought in veterans on affordable contracts, including Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric.
Aaron Gordon says he wants to stay with the Nuggets
During the Nuggets’ media day, Aaron Gordon expressed his desire to continue with the franchise.
“I really love this organization. I love the players on this team. I love the coaching staff. So I hope we get it done,” Gordon said (3:35:14 mark).
“It seems like it’s moving forward in the right direction, so I’m excited. I’m excited hopefully to be extended and to stay with this organization (3:35:24 mark).”
Gordon is earning $22.8 million this season and has a player option for the same amount next season.
In his 241 regular-season games with the Nuggets, he has averaged 14.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. He averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game in the 2024 playoffs.
Since joining the Nuggets, Gordon has started every game and has developed into an ideal complement to Jokic with his baseline cuts and frontcourt presence.