Following their surprise loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 7 of the West semi-finals, the Denver Nuggets didn't have many options this summer. It was expected that they would re-sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) and extend star Jamal Murray's contract.
However, the Nuggets opted to let KCP leave in free agency instead of offering him a long-term deal that would have paid him more than the $66 million he received from the Orlando Magic. Now comes the uncertainty surrounding Murray, who is coming off a season in which he under performed expectations.
"If you can be in a tough spot with Nikola Jokic, Denver is kind of in a bit of a tough spot right now." 😳 @WindhorstESPN on why the Denver Nuggets can't afford to miss out this offseason after losing KCP to the Magic 👀 pic.twitter.com/8UxiQfNI5a
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 1, 2024
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Murray was offered a contract worth around $210 million a month ago but has yet to sign the deal. Although it seems to be only a matter of time before he signs, his performance last season and during the Olympics should give Denver pause.
Jamal Murray's looming new contract should worry the Nuggets and their fans.
Murray's lack of effectiveness playing for Canada in the Olympics has been surprising, with him averaging just 5.7 points while shooting 33% from the field, as well as 4.7 assists in 19.5 minutes per game. That has led to some uneasiness among Nuggets fans, with him looking out of shape and even injured.
Considering that both have been issues for him in the past, him struggling in August doesn't bode well for him being ready to go next month for training camp. A deep playoff run and spending a month playing for Team Canada doesn't give him much time to either recover or get into shape and those issues could rear their ugly head during next season.
The Nuggets don't have the depth they had even two seasons ago and were essentially relying on six or seven players during their series against Minnesota. Murray not living up to expectations next season and beyond could prove costly, with him potentially making around $50 million a year despite never having made an All-Star or All-NBA team.
Ultimately, Murray still appears poised to sign an extension with the Nuggets. Nevertheless, the warning signs are there that he may not live up to his lucrative new deal.