The Denver Nuggets are riding a five-game winning streak into the 2026-27 season, but contract decisions loom for several key rotation players. As the team prepares for its opener, the futures of veterans like Cameron Johnson and Zeke Nnaji are uncertain due to expiring deals and a tight salary cap situation. Their recent form is impressive, having just defeated the San Antonio Spurs 128-118 on April 13, 2026, capping a perfect five-game run.
Cameron Johnson headlines the list. The veteran wing has been involved in trade rumors all summer, though the Nuggets have publicly stated they plan to keep him. His $23 million contract expires after this season, creating a significant financial decision. Denver's payroll is already stretched, and they've lost free agents before because of it. If they don't plan to re-sign Johnson next summer, moving him at the trade deadline could be a smart play to avoid losing him for nothing.
Zeke Nnaji is another player whose long-term future with the franchise is unclear. Contractually, his situation is complex. The Nuggets' front office will need to evaluate his fit and production against the cost of a new deal. His performance this season will directly impact whether Denver sees him as part of their core moving forward or as a potential trade asset.
The Nuggets are entering the new season with serious momentum. Their last five games resulted in wins, including a 127-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 11 and a 136-119 win against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9. This strong finish to the previous campaign sets a high standard. It also increases the pressure to maintain a championship-contending roster, making every financial and personnel choice more significant.
Balancing immediate success with future flexibility is the front office's main challenge. Letting a productive player walk in free agency hurts a team's depth. But overspending on the wrong player can cripple a roster for years. The decisions on Johnson, Nnaji, and others will define the team's trajectory beyond this season. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
For players like Johnson, there are a few paths. The most straightforward is a strong season leading to a contract extension with Denver. Another is a mid-season trade to a team willing to offer him a long-term deal, which could bring back assets for the Nuggets. The worst-case scenario for Denver is he plays out the year and leaves as an unrestricted free agent, providing no return.
Nnaji's case is similar but may depend more on his on-court development. He needs to show consistent improvement in his scoring, rebounding, and defense. If he takes a step forward, the Nuggets might prioritize keeping him. If his role remains limited, he could be packaged in a trade or become a casualty of the luxury tax. The front office will be watching his minutes and efficiency closely.
The season's results will dictate everything. If the Nuggets are in title contention come February, they may be reluctant to disrupt chemistry by trading a key rotation piece, even one on an expiring deal. If they struggle, those same players become valuable trade chips to retool for the future. The 136-134 overtime win against the Spurs on April 4 showed this team's resilience, a quality they'll need all year long as speculation swirls.
