Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
It’s been a memorable career for veteran guard Jamal Murray. Over nine years with the Denver Nuggets, he evolved from an average role player into one of the most valuable members of the team. So much so, in fact, that he recently signed a four-year maximum extension worth $208 million.
Despite his earnings, however, Murray prefers to live a more humble life. As he recently explained in an appearance on the ‘All the Smoke’ podcast, he resorts to sleeping on an air mattress at home to keep his ego in check and set a good example for his younger brother.
“I don’t really look at money like that,” said Murray. “I’m a pretty humble guy. When I go home, I actually sleep on an air mattress to keep my mental, to know where I’m coming from. I got a little brother who’s watching me as well. I don’t want him to see that you can get whatever you want, but you don’t take it. There are certain things you have to learn and go through, and I’m trying to teach him, at the same time, teach myself, that money isn’t everything. If I didn’t have any of it, I’d still be the same person I am today.”
NBA stars love to live lavishly, and there is no question that Murray can afford it as someone who is worth at least $60 million. While he has no doubt splurged at times throughout the years, Jamal typically takes a more disciplined approach with his spending habits, which involves avoiding the luxury of a high-end mattress (among other things).
For Murray, the goal is not to deny himself for the sake of it. As someone who started from humble beginnings, he wants to ensure he never loses sight of where he came from and the road that led to his NBA prosperity. In the process, he wants to stay grounded in “normal” life to avoid becoming overly reliant on his wealth. He fears letting the fame and fortune get to his head, as it has for so many athletes before him. That’s why he won’t let himself get too comfortable or complacent with his celebrity lifestyle.
If nothing else, the mentality is proof of Murray’s passion and his willingness to hold himself accountable, even if it means sacrificing his own comfort. Those qualities have no doubt helped him at home, but they’ve also helped him on the Nuggets, where he has thrived as Nikola Jokic’s primary co-star. Last season, in 75 games, the one-time NBA champion averaged 25.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 48.3% shooting and 43.5% shooting from the field.
With three years and $160 million left on his contract, Murray is set through 2029, but money has never been his focus anyway. Rather, his priority is on winning and making the most of his NBA career. Fresh off the loss of Peyton Watson, the Nuggets could struggle to keep up with their competitors, but Murray and Jokic will keep them in the mix, just like they always have.