"Malone did not want Westbrook" - NBA fans abuzz over Michael Malone's reported friction with Nuggets front office
Rumors are swirling around the Denver Nuggets after reports leaked that there could be "friction" between the team's head coach Michael Malone and the front office.
First reported by ESPN's Zach Lowe, Malone is "not seeing eye-to-eye" with Denver's front office.
Fans did not hold back when reacting to the report on X.
"We all know what this about... Malone felt the Nuggets bench was not strong enough last season, and they refused to improve it heading into the playoffs... they could have brought back Bruce Brown or Jeff Green for the playoff run, both of their teams didn't even make it," one fan argued.
"Malone did not want Westbrook" another fan suggested.
"Some questionable moves by the Front Office would leave most coaches in this position. Can't let key pieces walk and the rest of the league get better particularly with Execs trying to aim to take you out. Replace those guys who impact more than the box score, their contributions are irreplaceable," a third fan stated, defending Malone.
Other fans agreed with the Denver Nuggets front office, suggesting Malone is the problem.
"I watched every Nuggets game last season and I agree with the front office. Malone needs to play the younger guys more. The playoff loss was on him for playing the starters too much," a fan argued against Malone.
"I put full blame on Malone and Booth. They both have made very questionable decisions in the last year. So I'm honestly glad that they are beefing. Ownership will step in and let both go," another fan argued, blaming both the coach and general manager.
"Not surprised. This guy has a massive ego," a third fan said of Malone.
As one of the best teams in the Western Conference, the Nuggets will look to resolve these issues between the coach and front office sooner rather than later. Losing Malone could be a huge loss for the 2023 NBA champions.
NBA insider proposes three-team trade involving Denver Nuggets' Jamal Murray
Amid the rumors of friction between their coaching staff and front office, Rohan Raman, an Atlanta Hawks insider, proposed a three-team trade involving Jamal Murray.
The trade sends Murray to the Miami Heat, bringing Tyler Herro to the Denver Nuggets along with Cody Zeller, while the Hawks get Terry Rozier, Josh Richardson and Nikola Jovic.
While it's an unlikely swap, the reported drama within the Nuggets front office goes to show when it rains, it pours.
Given the severity and validity behind the reports coming from Zach Lowe, it's likely some sort of change is coming to the Denver Nuggets, the only question is from where?
While a trade may be unlikely, the Nuggets' potential return for Murray could prove to be too much to pass up. Zeller fills a hole at the backup center spot for Denver, and Herro would have the opportunity to pick up a larger role with the team.
If these issues aren't resolved quickly, it may not be long before Denver's three-time MVP speaks out to force a change. Given Nikola Jokic's relationship with Malone, that change may not come within the coaching staff.