The Denver Nuggets’ concerns about their key championship player are laid bare

The honeymoon phase after winning an NBA championship is officially over for the Denver Nuggets. After losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round last season, the team had to address some major contract issues.

The first problem was losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the second problem was re-signing Jamal Murray to a superstar contract after a rocky end to the NBA playoffs, and the third looming problem will now be how much they pay Aaron Gordon must .

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Denver Nuggets are right to be concerned about the contract they will have to pay Aaron Gordon. Charania revealed some details during an episode of The Pat McAfee Show.

“This is an expensive franchise, they just gave Jamal Murray a massive $209 million extension,” Charania said. “It is part of the long-term future. We know Nikola Jokic is part of the long-term future. But they are at a crossroads, they have invested so much money in this team, a man that now also needs an extension – Aaron Gordon.

According to Charania, Aaron Gordon is eligible for a four-year contract extension worth over $150 million. The team will have to be tricky about this as there are some salary restrictions on paying out Gordon’s contract.

He is eligible for a four-year extension and more than $150 million. They have to pay him, they know that, but there will be some salary caps in the coming years. If they can’t work it out with an extension with him, look at free agency with a player option next year, he’ll be coveted by any team with cap space. This is currently a concern for Denver heading into the regular season.”

Make no mistake, Aaron Gordon is just as important to the success of the Denver Nuggets as Jamal Murray. Without Gordon’s ability to create space, grab rebounds and guard the other team’s best players, the Nuggets completely lose their identity. It’s more of a win-now for Denver as some important questions arise.