The Denver Nuggets’ offseason, once expected to be defined by continuity around Nikola Jokic, is rapidly evolving into one of the most consequential in recent franchise history. Plagued by a top-heavy salary structure and the looming threat of repeater luxury tax penalties, the Nuggets may be forced to consider dramatic measures — including trading one of their most beloved players.
According to NBA insider Sam Amick, appearing on the Third Apron Podcast with Yossi Gozlan, a compelling trade scenario involving the Los Angeles Clippers has surfaced that would dramatically reshape Denver’s financial outlook in a single move.
The Proposed Trade:
- Clippers receive: Aaron Gordon
- Nuggets receive: Derrick Jones Jr. and a first-round pick
Often referred to as “Mr. Nugget,” Gordon has been a cornerstone of Denver’s identity since his arrival in 2019. His versatility, defensive intensity, and championship pedigree made him indispensable alongside Jokic. The idea of moving him feels unthinkable to many fans. Yet, in the cold calculus of the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, it may represent a pragmatic path forward.
Salary Relief and the ‘Gap Year’ Strategy
Gordon’s current contract extension kicks in next season, elevating his salary from $22.8 million to approximately $33.6 million. By swapping him for Derrick Jones Jr., who is slated to earn just $10.4 million, the Nuggets would achieve massive savings.
The Nuggets are already projected to be roughly $17 million over the luxury tax threshold for the 2025-26 season. Combining this trade with the likely release of Jonas Valanciunas would push Denver comfortably under the tax line for the second consecutive year, avoiding the harsher repeater penalties that could cripple their flexibility moving forward.
This move would effectively greenlight a “gap year” strategy — a deliberate step back in expectations to create financial breathing room. The goal: reposition the franchise for one final, high-stakes title window during the latter years of Nikola Jokic’s prime.
Additional Strategic Benefits
Beyond immediate cap relief, the trade would return a first-round pick to a Nuggets team that has surrendered several future selections in recent deals. Regaining draft capital — or regaining control for future maneuvering — provides valuable long-term assets.
The extra breathing room would also allow Denver to prioritize re-signing restricted free agent Peyton Watson, a young, versatile defender whose development has impressed and who is expected to draw significant interest on the open market this summer.
The Tough Trade-Off
On the court, the move carries clear risks. Gordon remains Denver’s second-most important player behind Jokic when healthy. He serves as the connective tissue on both ends of the floor — a reliable scorer, elite cutter, and tenacious defender. Derrick Jones Jr. is a solid perimeter defender and contributor, but he does not match Gordon’s overall impact or skill level.
The trade would undoubtedly set the Nuggets back in the short term, forcing them to lean more heavily on younger players and role fillers while lowering expectations for the upcoming season.
Yet for a franchise staring at escalating luxury tax bills and limited future draft assets, the proposal forces a difficult but necessary conversation. Is it better to hold the current core together at massive financial cost, or to create flexibility now to build a more sustainable supporting cast around Jokic in 2027-28 and beyond?
The Nuggets’ front office faces a complex summer filled with tough calls. Loyalty to players like Aaron Gordon runs deep in Denver, but the realities of the salary cap may demand pragmatism. Whether this specific trade materializes or serves merely as a conversation starter, one thing is clear: the Nuggets’ path to sustained contention may require breaking some hearts in the short term to preserve their championship window in the long run.