The Denver Nuggets’ 2025-26 season came to a disappointing end in the first round, as they were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games. The loss stung even more given that Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, and Ayo Dosunmu all missed time during the series, leaving many to question whether Denver has the supporting cast needed to contend for another title alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
With the offseason now underway, the Nuggets front office is expected to explore roster changes. One name that has generated significant speculation is veteran forward Aaron Gordon. However, according to NBA insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, trading Gordon is not a priority for Denver—and it would require an exceptional return for the team to even consider moving him.
Nuggets Not Expected to Trade Aaron Gordon
Since arriving in Denver via trade in 2021, Gordon has solidified his role as the Nuggets’ third offensive option behind Jokic and Murray. A versatile two-way wing capable of defending multiple positions and spacing the floor, Gordon has evolved into a reliable sharpshooter who punishes defenses that overcommit to the league’s premier duo.
Injuries limited him to just 36 games this season, but when healthy, Gordon delivered strong production: 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. His ability to impact winning on both ends of the floor has made him a cornerstone of Denver’s system.
Despite the team’s early playoff exit and Gordon’s sizable upcoming contract, Siegel reports that the Nuggets are not actively shopping the forward.
“The immediate belief surrounding Denver is that while the possibility of trading Gordon will be discussed, sources said it would take quite an offer to part with him,” Siegel reported. “Gordon is not viewed as a clear salary-dump option for the Nuggets entering the summer, and the only way they would consider trading him is if they were to retain key draft capital lost in previous trades, as well as another impactful starter.”
Should the Nuggets Trade Aaron Gordon?
Gordon is entering a three-year, $103.6 million contract extension, which adds financial pressure as Denver navigates the salary cap. The Nuggets currently possess a deep group of two-way wings—including Cameron Johnson, Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Spencer Jones—creating potential redundancy and an opportunity to rebalance the roster.
Trading Gordon could theoretically free up significant cap space and allow the team to distribute his minutes across that group of versatile forwards. However, sources indicate Denver has no interest in treating him as a salary dump. Any deal would need to bring back substantial value, specifically addressing lost draft assets while adding another high-level contributor ready to step into a starting role.
Given the reported stance, it appears far more likely that one of the other wings—potentially Johnson or Braun—could be moved as the front office looks to refresh the roster without parting ways with a proven piece like Gordon.
While nothing can be ruled out entirely in the unpredictable NBA trade market, Brett Siegel’s reporting suggests Aaron Gordon remains a valued member of the Nuggets’ core heading into the summer. Denver will almost certainly explore upgrades elsewhere, but moving the veteran forward is not the starting point for their offseason plans. For a team still built around the Jokic-Murray foundation, continuity with Gordon may prove more valuable than a dramatic shake-up.