Denver has let a number of gamers go, sacrificing veteran depth to economize and keep beneath the second apron of the luxurious tax: Bruce Brown, Jeff Inexperienced, and most painfully this summer time Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They’ve paid as much as preserve Nikola Jokic and, most not too long ago, Jamal Murray within the Mile Excessive Metropolis.
Aaron Gordon has to fall into that latter group. He’s extension eligible proper now with a participant possibility for the 2025-26 season — if Denver does not prolong him Gordon is usually a free agent subsequent summer time. He does not need that, he needs to remain in Denver, Gordon mentioned throughout Nuggets’ media day.
“I actually love this group. I like the gamers on this staff. I like the teaching employees. So I hope we get it achieved. It looks as if it is shifting ahead in the appropriate course, so I am excited. I am excited hopefully to be prolonged and to stick with this group.”
Gordon is a steal this season at $22.8 million, he’s now eligible to signal a four-year, $149.5 million extension, which appears round a good value within the present market. Gordon doesn’t rack up loopy counting stats — 13.9 factors and 6.5 rebounds a recreation final season — however he is a high-level defender who performs a excessive IQ recreation and is aware of match with Nikola Jokic.
The underside line: Denver would not have the championship banner it does with out Gordon and won’t get one other with out him. Nuggets GM Calvin Sales space will get that and was clear he needs to increase Gordon.
“Hopefully we now have some productive talks together with his illustration, and we’re capable of finding a deal that we’re each glad with. He is been an integral a part of what we have achieved. And we might wish to preserve him right here for a very long time.”
The Nuggets must preserve him, and this isn’t the participant to pinch pennies with.
