Nuggets Training Camp Preview: Jokic’s Contract Delay, Valanciunas’s Arrival, and Key Roster Questions
As the Denver Nuggets gear up for training camp, five major storylines are shaping the narrative — from Nikola Jokic’s contract strategy to rookie extensions and a new coaching era.
1. Jokic’s Extension on Hold
Nikola Jokic has opted not to sign the $207 million extension available this summer, choosing instead to revisit talks in 2026. The move is financially strategic: waiting allows Denver to offer an additional year next offseason, potentially worth around $80 million more.
Despite Denver’s confidence in retaining their franchise star, other teams — notably the Warriors, Clippers, and Lakers — are keeping their salary books flexible for 2027, when both Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo could hit free agency. While Denver believes Jokic is staying put, only he can silence the speculation by publicly committing to next year’s offer, which would keep him in Denver through age 36.
2. Valanciunas’s Commitment Tested
Jonas Valanciunas, Denver’s newly acquired backup center, spent the summer playing for Lithuania and reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from Panathinaikos. That deal would’ve required Denver to release him immediately after trading for him — a move the Nuggets declined.
Now, Valanciunas prepares to address American media for the first time since the trade. Questions linger: Is he content in Denver? Does he still have European ambitions? Will he seek a guaranteed salary for 2026-27? After bouncing between four teams in three years, Denver hopes to provide stability and a meaningful role under coach David Adelman.
3. Roster Shake-Up: Johnson In, Porter Out
The most significant roster change since Aaron Gordon’s arrival sees Cam Johnson replacing Michael Porter Jr. Following the trade with Brooklyn, Johnson has already begun training with teammates, though most have yet to publicly reflect on MPJ’s departure.
Media day will likely bring tributes to Porter’s Denver tenure and praise for Johnson’s potential. Training camp will reveal how well Johnson meshes with the team’s core lineup.
4. Braun and Watson Face Extension Deadlines
Christian Braun and Peyton Watson are entering the final year of their rookie deals, with extension talks looming. If no agreement is reached by the end of the offseason, both could enter restricted free agency next summer.
Braun’s breakout 2024-25 season makes him a priority, but his potential deal could complicate negotiations with Watson, who’s expected to command a salary similar to Zeke Nnaji’s $32 million extension. Denver must weigh cap implications carefully, especially with the second apron looming in 2026-27.
5. Adelman’s First Full Camp
David Adelman, promoted from interim to full-time head coach, leads his first training camp after stepping in mid-season last April. With a full offseason to prepare, he’ll face questions about lineup flexibility, rotation strategies, and managing Jokic’s workload.
Beyond tactics, Adelman must foster team chemistry and leadership under a new staff. His playoff success and unconventional leadership style offer reasons for optimism as the Nuggets begin a new chapter.
