News Nuggets Team Notes

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Expected To Make Big Move For Veteran Big Man

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

It looked like Jonas Valanciunas was going to head to the Denver Nuggets next season, providing them with much-needed help in the center position.

But it now sounds like Valanciunas has decided to leave the NBA to play overseas, leaving a huge hole in Denver’s plan.

They are quickly pivoting and eyeing another big man to help them.

According to Evan Sidery, the Nuggets are “widely expected” to pursue Al Horford in free agency.

“The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role,” Sidery wrote.

With the Nuggets now once again without a backup center, they are widely expected to pivot to pursuing Al Horford in free agency.

The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role. pic.twitter.com/m6KQmMmA9N

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 4, 2025

For most of the week, it sounded like the Golden State Warriors had the best shot of getting Horford, who has spent his last several years with the Boston Celtics.

But this loss of Valanciunas has changed everything, and now the Nuggets are in hot pursuit of him.

He would be a huge pickup for Denver.

Horford, who has been in the league for 18 seasons, averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season.

Although he is 39 years old, he was still playing impressive and important basketball for the Celtics and was one of the reasons they won a championship in 2024.

The Warriors and Lakers were taking a serious look at acquiring him, but they now have real competition.

What can the Nuggets offer, beyond just a regular place in the rotation?

On top of that, how long will they have him for, and is retirement right around the corner?

If plans for Horford fall through, do the Nuggets have another backup plan in mind, or is this their last hope to get a backup big man?

The post Nuggets Expected To Make Big Move For Veteran Big Man appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-expected-to-make-big-move-for-veteran-big-man/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets

(Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

It’s official: Jonas Valanciunas is coming to the Denver Nuggets.

After weeks of twists and turns, Valanciunas’ deal with the Nuggets is finished, and now he has decided on his jersey number.

According to Etienne Catalan on X, Valanciunas will wear No. 17 for the Nuggets.

That number has been dormant for years and was last worn by Johnny Taylor all the way back in 1999.

Throughout his career, Valanciunas has worn 17, and he is happy to bring that tradition to Denver.

Jonas Valančiūnas (@JValanciunas) will wear No. 17 for the #Nuggets. Number last worn by Johnny Taylor in 1999. #NBA pic.twitter.com/jIULcRmBEp

— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 14, 2025

Valanciunas’ move to the Nuggets was first reported at the start of the month, but then it hit a huge speed bump: Greece’s Panathinaikos.

He was lured to play overseas and, according to most reports, he seriously considered it.

In the end, Panathinaikos didn’t offer him enough to change his trajectory, and now Valanciunas is on his way to Denver.

He split his time between the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Valanciunas adjusted to being a bench player in 2024-25, and that may be the case in the next season too.

He could provide helpful support behind Nikola Jokic in the center position.

After years of Jokic needing assistance, Valanciunas might be exactly what the Nuggets need.

Denver was surely sweating this situation for a while, afraid that they could lose Valanciunas to the Greek league.

Now they can start making plans with him, and they are hopeful.

The Nuggets have made several impressive changes so far, and they think they are enough to help them become one of the best teams in the West again.

Valanciunas provides a lot of strength and power, and might be their smartest acquisition.

The post Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jonas-valanciunas-has-decided-on-his-jersey-number-with-nuggets/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Coach Raves About Jonas Valanciunas

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

After a lot of questions and twists and turns, Jonas Valanciunas is coming to the Denver Nuggets.

The Lithuanian center could provide a ton of frontcourt support for the team, and head coach David Adelman is really excited to see what he does.

Speaking with Katy Winge, Adelman praised Valanciunas and made it clear that he has big plans for him.

“Jonas [Valanciunas] is a guy you can post-up against smaller lineups. He’s a proficient player down there. Very good dribble hand-off player. He’s a guy those guards can play through. On the nights Nikola doesn’t play, you have a legitimate starting center that we just happen to be lucky enough to have as our backup,” Adelman said

Coach Adelman on the Nuggets adding Jonas Valančiūnas:

“On the nights Nikola doesn’t play, you have a legitimate starting center that we just happen to be lucky enough to have as our backup.” pic.twitter.com/DRRa7t7PXX

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) July 16, 2025

Valanciunas has a whole bag of tricks that could help the Nuggets.

For years, Nikola Jokic has been carrying a heavy load for his team, but now he will have more help, and Valanciunas could be a huge difference-maker.

The deal for him was announced a few weeks ago, but it was thrown into disarray when rumors about Valanciunas playing overseas popped up.

Now the dust has settled, and he is remaining in the NBA, at least for now.

Last season was inconsistent for the Nuggets, and many people said that Jokic was the only reliable part of the team.

Perhaps Valanciunas will bring more consistency and someone who can reliably play night after night, either in the starting five or off the bench.

Jokic will still be a huge part of the team, but Valanciunas might allow him to rest more, and that could be vital for the team’s success next season.

The post Nuggets Coach Raves About Jonas Valanciunas appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-coach-raves-about-jonas-valanciunas/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Cameron Johnson Shows Off New Nuggets Threads

(Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)

The Cameron Johnson era has begun for the Denver Nuggets.

Just weeks after being traded to the team, a video of Johnson showing off his new jersey was shared on X by the Nuggets.

Unsurprisingly, Johnson looks very happy to be with his new team, and this move will give him his best chance yet of becoming a champion.

First look at the fresh threads

pic.twitter.com/xUdlrzrH4f

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 18, 2025

For the last few seasons, Johnson has been a crucial part of the Nets.

Last year, he averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 47.5 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from the three-point line.

He’s been great for Brooklyn, but the team continued to struggle, and Johnson’s name was attached to trade rumors throughout the year.

It wasn’t that shocking when he was shipped off to the Nuggets, and Johnson is surely happy with this move.

Unlike the Nets, the Nuggets have a potential path through the playoffs, and Johnson could finally experience postseason glory.

Plus, playing alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray may do great things for his game.

Johnson has been talked about a lot over the years, but he has never played for a team like the Nuggets.

Now he will get a lot more attention, and could receive a ton of praise if he plays well.

The Nuggets have been aggressive in the offseason, looking to get even better and become championship contenders again.

Acquiring Johnson is just one of the smart moves they made, but will it end up being the most consequential?

A lot of people were disappointed by the Nuggets last season, but the team could be looking much better in 2025-26, partly because of the addition of Johnson.

The post Cameron Johnson Shows Off New Nuggets Threads appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/cameron-johnson-shows-off-new-nuggets-threads/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Sign Exciting Guard Prospect

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Like other teams across the NBA, the Denver Nuggets have been paying close attention to the Summer League.

They were so blown away by one of their players that they raced to make a deal with him.

According to Shams Charania, the Nuggets are signing guard Curtis Jones to a two-way contract.

Jones went undrafted out of Iowa State but put up explosive numbers in the Summer League, averaging 15.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 47 percent from the three-point line.

The Nuggets have been very busy this offseason, but will it all pay off?

The Denver Nuggets are signing guard Curtis Jones to a two-way NBA contract, agent Austin Walton of NEXT Sports tells ESPN. After going undrafted out of Iowa State, Jones had a stellar summer league for the Nuggets, averaging 15 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 47% from 3.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2025

Because he signed a two-way deal, Jones will be eligible to play in up to 50 NBA games in the new season.

He will spend the rest of the time with the Nuggets’ G League affiliate.

Will Nuggets fans see Jones for all of those 50 games he is eligible for?

It all depends on how well he does and how much he proves himself.

The Nuggets have been hard at work putting together a muscular and impressive roster after a season of some disappointment.

Although they did fairly well during the playoffs, the regular season left a lot to be desired, and the front office was adamant about change.

So they got to work right away and acquired Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets, sending away Michael Porter Jr.

They also grabbed Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas.

The team is a lot better now, at least on paper.

They have a lot to prove in the new season, and Jones wants to be a part of whatever they do.

He has earned his spot on the team because of his great Summer League work, but it’s not obvious how often he will be on the court.

The post Nuggets Sign Exciting Guard Prospect appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-sign-exciting-guard-prospect/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jonas Valanciunas Clears The Air About Nuggets Contract

(Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

Jonas Valanciunas toyed with the idea of leaving the NBA, but he is firmly committed to playing for the Denver Nuggets – at least for now.

According to Donatas Urbaonas, Valanciunas recently made his intentions for 2025-26 very obvious.

“I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait. I am fully committed to honoring my contract with the Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship,” Valanciunas said.

Jonas Valanciunas spoke with me to clear the air on the Nuggets and Panathinaikos situation:

"I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very…

— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) July 21, 2025

When Valanciunas’s move to the Nuggets was announced a few weeks ago, Denver fans were elated.

They believed they were getting a backup big man who could take some of the pressure off of Nikola Jokic’s shoulders and give the team more spacing and direction.

Denver’s second unit has been the subject of ridicule, but Valanciunas could help improve it.

Then, a wrinkle: reports emerged about Valanciunas possibly moving overseas to play for a Greek basketball league.

He was apparently very excited by the idea and was seriously contemplating leaving the NBA for good so he could play closer to his home country of Lithuania.

In the end, his move to the Nuggets went through, and he is going to play his heart out.

But his statement isn’t a firm commitment to always being in the NBA, and there is a good chance he packs his bags and heads overseas the next chance he gets.

Therefore, the Nuggets need to make the most of their time with Valanciunas, because he clearly is still very intrigued by the idea of returning overseas.

The post Jonas Valanciunas Clears The Air About Nuggets Contract appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jonas-valanciunas-clears-the-air-about-nuggets-contract/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Video Of Nikola Jokic In Horse Race Is Going Viral

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Most of the time, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is a very calm and collected man, barely ever showing his emotions.

But sometimes he can’t help it.

A new video shared by Hater Report on X features Jokic crying tears of happiness as his horse won a race.

Many fans will note that Jokic didn’t show this much emotion when his team claimed an NBA title a few years ago.

Nikola Jokic IN LITERAL TEARS after his horse won a race today. He barely cracked a smile after he won an NBA championship lmaooo

Bro really don’t care about basketball

pic.twitter.com/lf7kS3nSNO

— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) July 27, 2025

Jokic definitely doesn’t show too many feelings, even when his team is dominating the league.

This has led to many memes and jokes at his expense online, with some people claiming that he doesn’t even like basketball but just does it like many people go to a normal nine-to-five job.

Obviously, that isn’t true, and Jokic really does love his team and wants to help the Nuggets win as much as possible.

But there is no doubt that he also loves his horse racing squad, too.

Jokic has a few months off from being on the court, but he is surely working behind the scenes too, preparing himself for a very long season ahead.

The Nuggets have made a lot of changes in the offseason, and they are planning to climb back up the standings of the Western Conference in the year ahead.

Some people fear that Denver’s championship window has closed, but they should never be counted out as long as Jokic is in the lineup.

And despite being emotional about his horse racing, he is still very committed to his Nuggets.

The post Video Of Nikola Jokic In Horse Race Is Going Viral appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/video-of-nikola-jokic-in-horse-race-is-going-viral/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nikola Jokic Named Betting Favorite To Win Notable NBA Award

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The new NBA season is quickly approaching, so people are talking about who will win the big end-of-year awards that everyone wants.

DraftKings Sportsbook has already revealed the players with the best odds for certain trophies.

When it comes to MVP, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has the best chance of winning, according to Evan Sidery.

Will the Nuggets superstar grab his fourth Most Valuable Player award at the end of 2025-26?

2025-26 NBA awards favorites via @DKSportsbook:

MVP: Nikola Jokic
DPOY: Victor Wembanyama
COY: Ime Udoka / Jamahl Mosley
ROY: Cooper Flagg
MIP: Andrew Nembhard / Deni Avdija
Clutch: Jalen Brunson / Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/XRAtr9BmET

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 30, 2025

There are other players in the mix for numerous awards.

DraftKings says that Victor Wembanyama is in the lead for Defensive Player of the Year, while Ime Udoka and Jamahl Mosley are in contention for Coach of the Year.

Cooper Flagg is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, while Andrew Nembhard and Deni Avdija are leading the way for Most Improved Player.

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson might win Clutch Player of the Year again, although Anthony Edwards could also take it.

Jokic would be in very rare company if he wins another MVP, but he shouldn’t be counted out.

Even in the years when he didn’t claim Most Valuable Player, like last season, he was still a runner-up.

There is no doubt that he’s one of the best players in the league and will probably always be in contention for this prize as long as he is playing.

And what about Denver’s chances?

Are they going to be in a better position and possibly able to go back to the Finals at the end of the season?

Jokic might be the frontrunner for MVP, but the West is very tough, and it’ll be a hard season for his Nuggets.

The post Nikola Jokic Named Betting Favorite To Win Notable NBA Award appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nikola-jokic-named-betting-favorite-to-win-notable-nba-award/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

DeMarcus Cousins Says Nuggets Superstar Almost Retired

(Photo by Ethan Mito/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

Today, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is one of the most vital players in the league, a future Hall of Famer, and arguably the best athlete in the NBA.

But there was a time when he was toying with the concept of hanging up his jersey for good.

According to DeMarcus Cousins, via Basketball Forever, Jokic thought about retiring from the league so he could go home and focus on other endeavors.

“When I was in Denver, our lockers were next to each other in the locker room. I don’t remember who had just signed an extension at the time, but I told him: ‘Your new contract is going to be insane!’ He told me: ‘Cuz, I might retire before that contract.’ I said: ‘You’re going to leave $300 million on the table? Are you crazy? Sign the contract and then get fat, become bad. Just don’t miss out on $300 million!’ Then he told me: ‘Cuz, I just want to go back to my hometown and chill with my horses.’ I told him: ‘Joke, those horses will be there. You’ll just buy more horses with $300 million,’” Cousins said.

DeMarcus Cousins said Nikola Jokić wanted to retire in 2022 before he signed his superman contract with the Nuggets

“When I was in Denver, our lockers were next to each other in the locker room. I don’t remember who had just signed an extension at the time, but I told him:… pic.twitter.com/lYmyPPP3nN

— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) August 1, 2025

Obviously, that didn’t happen, which is nothing but good news for the Nuggets.

Instead, Jokic signed a massive contract with the Nuggets, helped them win a championship, and continued his dominance among all other players in the association.

He has made no secret of his desire to spend more time in his home country of Serbia.

He likes to be with his family, racing horses, and enjoying a slower pace.

At the same time, he also wants to see his team succeed and is obviously devoted to the Nuggets, even if he isn’t very animated about his love of playing basketball.

Cousins knew how much money Jokic could make by staying in the league, and he encouraged him to stay.

Thankfully, he did, which has helped cement his place in league history and helped his team achieve newfound levels of success.

The post DeMarcus Cousins Says Nuggets Superstar Almost Retired appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/demarcus-cousins-says-nuggets-superstar-almost-retired/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Stats Reveal How Dominant Nikola Jokic Has Been In Past 5 Seasons

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

There is no doubt that Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets is one of the best players the NBA has ever seen.

He has been so dominant for so long that it’s no surprise he ranks toward the top of the entire league.

According to the Nuggets, Jokic is the only player in history to rank in the top two in points, rebounds, assists, and steals league-wide over a five-season span.

He was second in points, first in rebounds, second in assists, and first in steals during that time.

Best in the world. No debate. pic.twitter.com/KWZeZUP3zc

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) August 3, 2025

Jokic produced 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, and 1.8 steals last season.

He was second in the race for MVP, the fifth time in a row that he was in contention for that prize.

He has won MVP three times so far, and there is speculation that he could do it again in the next season or the years ahead.

Jokic doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

In fact, many of his numbers are only going up as he gets older.

Even though Jokic has been a monster on the court for years, his Nuggets haven’t been performing as well as they’d like lately.

Last season saw them make some noise in the playoffs, but the regular season was difficult at times.

However, the front office has made a few big changes, and there is hope that Jokic has a much stronger supporting cast in 2025-26.

So fans are imagining him putting up incredible stats again, this time surrounded by more capable and impressive players.

No matter what happens next season, one thing is certain: Jokic will continue to play like the future Hall of Famer that he is.

The post Stats Reveal How Dominant Nikola Jokic Has Been In Past 5 Seasons appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stats-reveal-how-dominant-nikola-jokic-has-been-in-past-5-seasons/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Receive Top Grade For Offseason Moves

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets didn’t like how 2024-25 turned out, and they have worked hard to change their direction.

Their hard work during the offseason may or may not pay off, but it’s certainly getting positive grades from analysts.

Writing for The Athletic, Tony Jones had nothing but good things to say about the Nuggets’ offseason choices.

“Denver, in my eyes, won the offseason. The Nuggets added depth and shooting. They upgraded significantly from Michael Porter Jr. to Cam Johnson at small forward. Getting Tim Hardaway Jr. on a vet-minimum deal is a steal, and they return Bruce Brown. The Nuggets also acquired the best backup center Nikola Jokić has ever played with in Jonas Valančiūnas. Denver has its best chance of winning a championship since its 2023 title team. The Nuggets are loaded,” Jones wrote.

It’s hard to argue against Jones, because it looks like the Nuggets made a ton of smart moves.

They parted ways with Michael Porter Jr. but replaced him with Cam Johnson, who has done some impressive things for the Brooklyn Nets over the years.

But that’s not all, because they also acquired Tim Hardaway Jr., and witnessed the return of Bruce Brown, who was with them when they won a championship a few years ago.

Perhaps the biggest move was landing Jonas Valanciunas, who will provide huge help behind Nikola Jokic.

Jokic hasn’t had much support off the bench in his position, so this could work wonders for him.

The Nuggets won’t have it easy, especially with the Western Conference getting stronger and stronger.

But they are in a great position and have their best chance of winning another title since 2023.

The post Nuggets Receive Top Grade For Offseason Moves appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-receive-top-grade-for-offseason-moves/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Sign Former Mavericks Forward

(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

Kessler Edwards got an unexpected amount of time on the floor last season for the Dallas Mavericks, allowing him to show his on-court skills and impress other teams.

Apparently, one of the teams he impressed was the Denver Nuggets, because they just signed him.

According to Michael Scotto, the Nuggets and Edwards have agreed to a deal.

Last season, Edwards put up 4.2 points on 49.6 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from the three-point range.

He played in 40 games and ended up starting in 18 of those because of several bad injuries in Dallas.

Will he get more time on the court with the Nuggets?

The Denver Nuggets and forward Kessler Edwards have agreed to a deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Edwards averaged 4.2 points on 49.6% shooting from the field and 40.7% from 3-point range in 40 games, including 18 starts, for the Dallas Mavericks last season. pic.twitter.com/4OTaLBY01n

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 12, 2025

Edwards was the 44th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, acquired by the Brooklyn Nets, where he spent a season and a half.

After that, he was sent to the Sacramento Kings before making a home with the Mavericks.

He was seen as simply a two-way contract last season, but the Mavericks were forced to call on Edwards more often when several of their biggest stars repeatedly got hurt.

It was a tough break for the Mavericks, but a big opportunity for Edwards.

He made the most of it, and that has led to his new deal with the Nuggets.

Of course, the Nuggets have been hard at work improving their roster this summer, which means that Edwards will be battling for playing time once again.

His deal with the Mavericks was a two-way, which means he could only play in so many regular-season games, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with the Nuggets.

That’s a good sign for Edwards, who is still looking to prove himself and show what he can do.

The post Nuggets Sign Former Mavericks Forward appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-sign-former-mavericks-forward/