The Denver Nuggets' front office faces a critical salary cap puzzle, with three players emerging as potential trade candidates before the 2026-27 NBA training camp opens on September 29. This pressure comes as the team prepares for Nikola Jokic's massive new contract while riding a three-game winning streak, including a 116-93 victory over the Golden State Warriors on March 30, 2026.
Financial constraints are the primary driver. The Nuggets were hit hard by the NBA's second apron rules this offseason. It forced them into a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson, netting only a distant 2031 first-round pick from Cleveland. Key depth pieces like Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas also departed.
New additions DeMar DeRozan and Spencer Jones help, but signings like Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III are seen as underwhelming. The looming issue is Jokic's extension, which could average $70 million per season. That deal would push Denver's payroll deep into the luxury tax, making future roster building extremely difficult.
Christian Braun tops the list. After a breakout 2024-25 season where he averaged 15.4 points on elite 58/40/83 shooting splits, he signed a five-year, $125 million extension. Last season was a major step back. Braun played only 44 games due to injury, and his production fell to 12 points on 52/30/78 shooting.
The Nuggets chose Braun over the ascending Watson, a decision that now looks risky. With Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon set to earn nearly $160 million combined, Braun's $23.3 million salary for the 2027-28 season becomes a significant burden. Aaron Gordon could also be moved, but his two-way impact when healthy makes him a more important piece than Braun.
The team's recent form shows promise but doesn't solve the long-term math. Their last five games resulted in three wins and two losses (WWWLL), capped by that decisive win over Golden State. Other recent results include a thrilling 125-123 win in Phoenix on March 25 and a 129-93 rout of Houston on March 12.
However, heavy losses to New York (142-103 on March 7) and Oklahoma City (125-93 on May 18, 2025) exposed depth issues. The front office hopes low-cost signings like Alpha Diallo and Cam Whitmore develop quickly. For now, the core of Jokic, Murray, and Gordon remains the championship foundation.
Action is expected soon. Training camp begins on September 29, creating a natural deadline for roster moves. The front office must be proactive to clear future cap space and avoid being trapped by the second apron once Jokic's new deal is official.
Trading a player like Braun, despite his down year, could free up necessary flexibility. It's a tough call for a player once seen as the perfect off-ball complement to Jokic and Murray. His energy in transition and defensive effort are valuable, but the financial reality of the modern NBA is unforgiving. The Nuggets' championship window remains open, but managing the cap is now their biggest opponent.
