NBA Rumors: Aaron Gordon Won’t Receive Max $150 Million Contract Offer From Nuggets During Talks | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

The Denver Nuggets are reportedly not interested in paying forward Aaron Gordon a maximum contract value of four years and $150 million during contract extension negotiations.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Friday’s episode The Hoop Collective that the Nuggets are “hopeful” of signing Gordon to a new contract that’s less than the $150 million he’s eligible for (h/t RealGM).

Gordon has two years remaining on his current contract, which includes a $22.8 million player option for the 2025-26 season.

A potential four-year, $150 million contract would be worth $37.5 million per year. If the maximum extension is signed and takes effect after his current contract, Gordon’s average annual salary in the 2026-27 season would become the ninth-highest among power forwards in the NBA (via Spotrac).

That’s a steep price to pay for Gordon, despite his off-ball offensive impact and defensive acumen, especially considering that seven of the eight players who would rank above him have at least one All-Star appearance.

Despite the alleged unwillingness to pay Gordon the maximum amount he is entitled to, there was optimism about an extension on both sides at media day on September 26th.

“I really love this organization,” Gordon said, according to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports. “I love the players on this team. I love the coaching staff. So I hope we can do it. It seems like it’s going in the right direction, so I’m excited. Hopefully I’m looking forward to the extension and that.” Stay with this organization.

Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth also made it clear that he hopes an agreement can be reached at some point.

“Hopefully we will have some productive discussions with his representation and can find a deal that we are both happy with,” Booth said of Helin. “He was an integral part of our work. And we would like to keep him here for a long time.”

Gordon played a crucial role in Denver’s frontcourt alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, as the pair helped the franchise win a championship in 2023. Last season he averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 55.6 percent.