The Denver Nuggets came up short again. How can they improve?

The Denver Nuggets have suffered a shocking loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves without Anthony Edwards, getting knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.

Going into the season, the Denver Nuggets were seen as one of the league's top contenders. A successful offseason, including major free agent signings and big trades, thrust the Nuggets back into contention after a disappointing showing last year. The Nuggets improved their depth by bringing in veteran leadership and replacing Michael Porter Jr. with Cameron Johnson. An all-NBA leap from Jamal Murray and continued dominance from Nikola Jokic made Denver look the best they've been since 2023. They looked like a contender.

Things looked good at first.

The regular season kicked off, and the Nuggets looked just as good as we expected. They had continued dominance throughout the year. Even though Nikola Jokic missed 16 games, players like Peyton Watson stepped up, and the Nuggets ended with a 54-28 record, good for 3rd in the West. The Nuggets entered the playoffs with high expectations, being matched up against the Timberwolves. It looked like Denver had a clear path towards a second-round appearance.

Oh boy.

The Nuggets, despite injuries to Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ayo Dosunmu, lost to the Timberwolves in 6 games. Denver's glaring weaknesses were on full display in this series. Jaden McDaniels was right; the Nuggets couldn't defend anyone. Their lack of youth and physicality made them physically outmatched.

Denver has an offseason of difficult decisions coming up. With their current financial limitations, it looks unlikely Peyton Watson will return next season.

But it isn't necessarily over. There is still work that can be done.

What should they do?

Utah Jazz receive: (F) Cameron Johnson.

Denver Nuggets receive: (G) John Konchar, (G) Vince Williams Jr., (F) Cody Williams, 2 2027 second-round picks (via LAC and BOS or ORL)

Free Agency:

Pick up team options on (C) DaRon Holmes, (F) Julian Strawther, and (G) Jalen Pickett

Sign (F) Kelly Oubre Jr. to a 4-year, $60 million contract (using NTMLE)

Extend (F) Peyton Watson to a 5-year, $125 million contract (using BIRD rights)

Resign (G) Bruce Brown to a veteran minimum

Why this works:

Stick with me now.

Denver doesn't need a rebuild; they need a retool.

Trading Cameron Johnson to the Utah Jazz for John Konchar, Vince Williams, and Cody Williams may seem unreasonable, but it opens up a lot of opportunities for Denver. They add two younger, more defensive-minded players, giving Denver young developmental pieces. This trade also clears up $7 million in salary for the offseason, bringing Denver far under the 1st apron, far enough to access the full Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception.

The Nuggets now have financial flexibility and their MLE. Using this, the Nuggets sign Kelly Oubre Jr., a veteran who can space the floor and provide defense on the perimeter, and overall athleticism. Using their Bird rights on Peyton Watson, they sign him to a 5-year, $125 million extension, securing a solid young piece for the future.

In order to fill out their roster, the Nuggets pick up the team options on DaRon Holmes, Julian Strawther, and Jalen Pickett, all young developmental pieces. The Nuggets also bring back Bruce Brown on a veteran's minimum.

These moves aren't a rebuild, rather a retool around Jokic's window.

It's time for the Nuggets to contend once again.

Denver Nuggets potential 2026-27 starting lineup + bench

PG: Jamal Murray SG: Christian Braun SF: Peyton Watson PF: Aaron Gordon C: Nikola Jokic

G: Bruce Brown, Vince Williams Jr. F: Kelly Oubre Jr., Julian Strawther, Cody Williams C: Jonas Valanciunas