The Denver Nuggets enter the 2026 offseason with significant question marks surrounding the roster, despite the continued presence of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Executive Josh Kroenke has been blunt: “everything is on the table, outside of trading Nikola [Jokic].” Yet while the organization explores options, major upheaval around the core appears unlikely.
Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon form a trio that would require an extraordinary trade offer to dismantle. For the immediate future, all indications point to these three remaining cornerstones of the Nuggets’ lineup heading into the 2026-27 season.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/2051724948339671231
The real intrigue lies in the supporting cast—particularly the decisions involving Christian Braun, Cam Johnson, and restricted free agent Peyton Watson. Denver’s plan, sources suggest, centers on prioritizing the long-term development of Watson by creating the necessary cap flexibility, potentially at the expense of Johnson.
Projected Starting Lineup Takes Shape
The Nuggets are expected to pursue a re-signing of Watson this offseason. To facilitate that move and manage the salary cap, trading Cam Johnson has emerged as a logical step. Should Denver successfully choose Watson over Johnson—a decision many within the organization appear to view as the superior long-term play—the 23-year-old wing is projected to earn a starting role.
The anticipated 2026-27 starting lineup reflects this shift:
- Jamal Murray
- Christian Braun
- Peyton Watson
- Aaron Gordon
- Nikola Jokic
This group maintains continuity with the championship core while injecting youth and two-way potential through Watson.
The Braun Situation: Patience Over Panic
Christian Braun’s five-year, $125 million contract has drawn scrutiny, especially following an injury-plagued season that saw his value dip to an all-time low. The deal is widely regarded as nearly untradeable in the current market. However, the Nuggets appear committed to riding it out. Braun is expected to return healthier and more productive next season. While he may not fully live up to the contract’s magnitude, improved availability alone should elevate his contributions.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/UsherNBA/status/2014775518013341839
Braun himself has taken accountability for the team’s recent shortcomings, signaling the maturity necessary for a bounce-back campaign.
The 2026 NBA Draft as a Wild Card
The Nuggets hold the No. 26 pick in the upcoming draft. While it is unrealistic to expect an immediate starter at that position, the selection could serve as valuable trade ammunition. Draft-night maneuvers may ultimately help reshape the roster or supporting pieces around the projected starting five—especially with Watson’s free agency status still unresolved at that point.
Why Peyton Watson Deserves the Opportunity
Retaining Watson will not be straightforward. As a restricted free agent coming off a breakout campaign, he is expected to attract generous offers from other teams. Denver retains matching rights but must decide whether to meet potentially aggressive price points from suitors.
The case for keeping him is compelling. In 40 starts this past season, Watson averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He shot an impressive 49.9% from the field and 43.0% from three-point range. His self-creation, defensive versatility, and continued upward trajectory mark him as a foundational piece for the next competitive window.
Giving Watson the chance to develop as a full-time starter aligns with the Nuggets’ timeline. His two-way impact could prove exactly what the lineup needs as Murray and Gordon age and Jokic carries the franchise forward.
Outlook for 2026-27
While Kroenke’s “everything on the table” comment fueled speculation of a potential teardown, the reality appears far more measured. The Nuggets are positioning for targeted evolution rather than wholesale reinvention. By clearing space for Watson and banking on Braun’s recovery, Denver aims to refresh the supporting cast around its superstar trio without sacrificing the chemistry that has defined recent seasons.
The coming months will test the front office’s ability to balance cap constraints with talent retention. If they successfully secure Watson and stabilize the rotation, the Nuggets could enter 2026-27 with a more athletic, versatile starting five capable of another deep postseason run. The “Wunderkind” from the wing may just be the key to keeping Denver’s contention window open.