Heading into one of the most unpredictable offseasons in recent Denver Nuggets history, questions swirl around potential roster overhaul following a disappointing first-round exit. While major moves could reshape the supporting cast around the franchise’s core, certain players appear virtually untouchable. Contract situations, organizational commitment, and on-court value have combined to lock three key Nuggets into place for next season.
Here are the three players who are almost certain to return to Denver in 2026-27.
1. Nikola Jokic
This one was never in doubt.
Nikola Jokic is not going anywhere this summer. Nuggets president Josh Kroenke made the organization’s stance crystal clear during the end-of-season press conference: the three-time MVP is not available in trade talks. For his part, Jokic has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with the Nuggets for the entirety of his career.
Expect the two sides to engage in extension discussions that could result in a massive long-term deal carrying an average annual value approaching $70 million. That commitment would further cement Jokic as the undisputed face of the franchise for years to come. Barring something truly unforeseen, Nuggets fans will see No. 15 in Denver blue and gold when the 2026-27 season tips off in October.
2. Christian Braun
Trading Christian Braun might have been tempting if the right deal presented itself, but the numbers and timing make it highly improbable this summer.
Braun is coming off a disappointing season that has softened his trade value compared to a year ago. More importantly, he is locked into a brand-new $125 million contract extension signed before this season. That deal includes trade restrictions that last until July, effectively freezing him in place for the immediate future.
The contract is now viewed as a negative asset given his recent performance, making it difficult for Denver to find a willing partner even if the front office explored moving him. As a result, the Nuggets are expected to keep Braun on the roster, work to restore his value over the coming season, and reassess his role or potential trade viability down the line. For now, he stays.
3. Jalen Pickett
While he may not be a headline name, Jalen Pickett offers the Nuggets quiet but meaningful financial flexibility that the front office is unlikely to pass up.
Pickett heads into the summer with a team option worth just over $2.4 million for next season — a figure that sits well below the veteran minimum and provides significant cost savings during an offseason where Denver is expected to focus on trimming expenses around the edges of the roster.
As a 2023 second-round pick entering the final year of his rookie deal, Pickett represents low-risk, high-upside depth. The Nuggets can keep him for one more season to evaluate whether he can carve out a consistent role at the end of the rotation. If he thrives, they gain a valuable contributor on a bargain deal. If he doesn’t, the modest cap hit still represents better value than most veteran minimum contracts on the open market.
There is virtually no downside to exercising that option and bringing Pickett back.
Bottom line
While the Nuggets’ broader roster picture remains fluid, the organization has drawn a firm line on its biggest star and two important rotation pieces. Jokic is the franchise cornerstone, Braun is anchored by his new deal, and Pickett provides inexpensive depth that fits Denver’s financial realities.
With these three locked in, Denver can approach the rest of the offseason with greater clarity — even as bigger questions about the supporting cast linger. The hammer has been dropped: at least for these three, there will be no trades, no drama, and no way out.