The Denver Nuggets are coming off an interesting season that saw them make some major changes to the organization and they now enter the offseason with some key decisions to make.
Of course, Denver finished fourth in the Western Conference last season despite firing head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth with only a few weeks left in the regular season.
Denver was then eliminated in the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season, though they did take the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reacts after not getting a foul against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic reacts after not getting a foul against the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Now the Nuggets enter the offseason as they try to upgrade their roster around Nikola Jokic and that will begin in free agency on Monday after they did not hold a pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Heading into free agency, the Nuggets have a key decision to make at the backup point guard position as Russell Westbrook is set to be an unrestricted free agent.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) gestures as he dribbles the ball up court in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) gestures as he dribbles the ball up court in the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
If the Nuggets elect to move on from Westbrook this summer, they have emerged as a potential landing spot for Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones, who is also an unrestricted free agent.
According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Nuggets, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic are all expected to inquire about Jones once free agency opens.
Jones is expected to sign a veteran’s minimum contract this summer with many contenders looking to sign the 29-year-old guard.
For Denver, adding Jones would be a massive boost to their second unit if they decide to let Westbrook walk.
Last season, Jones averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 44.8% from the field and 41.4% from three.
Oct 31, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones (21) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Oct 31, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones (21) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (14) during the first half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Jones is a great scorer off the bench and he would also be able to start at times if need be, just like Westbrook did at points last season.
While that may be the case, Jones is expected to draw a ton of potential suitors this offseason as contending teams try to upgrade their bench heading into next season.