The 2026 NBA offseason is shaping up to be one of the most volatile in recent memory, with several star-studded teams exiting the playoffs earlier than anticipated. Among them, the Denver Nuggets stand out as a franchise at a crossroads after falling well short of expectations. On Friday, Nuggets executives addressed the media in an end-of-season press conference, and owner Josh Kroenke delivered a message that offered both reassurance and concern for the fanbase.
The Good Promise: Jokic Is Untouchable
The clearest and most important takeaway from Kroenke’s comments was the unequivocal stance on the face of the franchise. While the Nuggets plan to explore “everything” this offseason, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic is firmly off the table.
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“I think that everything is gonna be on the table, outside of trading Nikola [Jokic],” Kroenke said. “I should be clear because my words got twisted in an interesting way last summer. But yeah, I think everything is on the table, outside of trading Nikola.”
This declaration is both welcome and necessary. With Jokic eligible for a massive contract extension this summer—potentially worth up to $280 million over four years—the Serbian superstar remains the undisputed cornerstone of the franchise. He has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain a Nugget for the long term, and the organization appears committed to honoring that mutual loyalty.
Trading away the best player in franchise history would be indefensible. No matter what other moves Denver makes, the foundation for future success must be built around Jokic’s generational talent. By removing him from trade discussions, the front office has provided much-needed stability at the heart of the roster.
The Bad Suggestion: Considering a Full “Run It Back”
While the commitment to Jokic is prudent, Kroenke’s willingness to entertain a complete return of the current group raises significant red flags.
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“I think we need to have running it back as a possibility,” Kroenke stated. “… I thought that if this group was healthy, that this could be a 60-65 win team to a certain level, but we never got a chance to fully show it. That’s why I say everything has to be on the table, including running it back, because I really do believe in the group.”
This perspective, while understandable given the injuries the team battled, feels dangerously optimistic in light of what unfolded in the postseason. In their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets’ flaws were laid bare for all to see. The roster lacked sufficient secondary ball-handling, elite perimeter defense, and consistent interior presence beyond Jokic. These shortcomings were not merely the product of bad luck; they reflected structural weaknesses that a healthy season alone may not resolve.
The positive aspects of running it back are limited. Denver does have its entire starting lineup under contract for next season, and key bench contributors Peyton Watson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are headed for free agency. Financial constraints also make major roster overhauls more challenging. Yet these factors do not justify standing pat.
Time for Calculated Aggression
For a team with championship aspirations, complacency is the enemy. The Nuggets have the pieces to be competitive, but competitiveness is no longer enough. To get back over the hump, the front office should seriously consider targeted changes—whether that involves moving players like Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, or pursuing external additions that address the glaring needs exposed in the playoffs.
Injuries undoubtedly played a role in Denver’s underwhelming performance, but relying solely on better health next season is a passive strategy. The Western Conference continues to evolve, and standing still while rivals improve is rarely a path back to contention.
As the offseason begins in earnest, Nuggets fans can breathe easier knowing Jokic will remain in Denver. However, true optimism will depend on whether the organization pairs that wise promise with bold, necessary action—rather than simply hoping the same group can produce different results. The double-edged nature of Friday’s comments leaves the door open for both progress and stagnation. The coming weeks will reveal which path Denver chooses.