The Denver Nuggets are coming off a historic 2023 season, where they clinched their first NBA Championship. With a solid core led by reigning NBA Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are firmly positioned as one of the top teams in the league. One of the key contributors to their success, both on offense and defense, has been forward Aaron Gordon. His fit alongside Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. has been seamless, allowing him to thrive in a system that perfectly complements his skill set.
However, as of now, Aaron Gordon has yet to sign an extension with the Denver Nuggets, raising some questions about his long-term future with the team. The deadline for such a move is October 21st, the league-wide cutoff date for rookie-scale contract extensions and those of players who have more than one year remaining on their deals. This means the Nuggets have limited time to finalize an extension with Gordon before he becomes a free agent. Although Gordon has a player option in his current contract, the Nuggets would ideally like to secure his services before that option becomes a potential bargaining chip.
So far, the only public comment regarding the potential extension came from Aaron Gordon himself during media day. “I really love this organization. I love the players on this team. I love the coaching staff. So I hope we get it done. It seems like it’s moving forward in the right direction. So I’m excited. I’m excited hopefully to be extended and to stay with this organization,” Gordon said. These words are undoubtedly encouraging for Nuggets fans, as it reaffirms that Gordon is happy with the team and wants to stay in Denver long-term.
Gordon’s positive experience with the Nuggets has been evident throughout his tenure. He consistently praises how Nikola Jokic’s unique playmaking ability allows him to play to his strengths. With Jokic at the helm, Gordon often finds himself in ideal scoring situations, either cutting to the basket for easy finishes or spacing the floor for open shots. Defensively, his athleticism and versatility make him a crucial piece in guarding the league’s best forwards, and his presence is a key reason why Denver has been able to maintain a solid defensive foundation.
While everything seems to be moving in the right direction, it’s important to consider the implications if the two sides cannot come to an agreement before the deadline. If Aaron Gordon opts not to extend his contract by October 21st, he could become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2025. This is a situation the Nuggets would likely want to avoid, as losing Gordon, particularly after his critical role in their championship run, would create a significant hole in their lineup.
However, the most likely scenario is that the Nuggets will work out an extension before the deadline. Gordon’s desire to stay in Denver, combined with his integral role in their system, makes him a prime candidate for a long-term deal. The Nuggets have invested heavily in building a team that can contend for championships, and keeping key pieces like Gordon is essential to maintaining their competitive edge.
If for some reason a deal isn’t reached, it’s worth exploring what that might mean for both the player and the team. Gordon would likely be one of the most coveted free agents, given his unique skill set and fit on both ends of the floor. Teams looking for a versatile forward who can defend, rebound, and play off the ball would surely be interested. For the Nuggets, it would mean the potential of losing a critical piece of their core, something that could significantly impact their chances of repeating as champions.
Nevertheless, as the October 21st deadline approaches, there is cautious optimism that an agreement will be reached. Aaron Gordon’s love for the team, the city, and his teammates, especially Nikola Jokic, makes Denver the perfect environment for him to continue thriving. The Nuggets’ front office has a track record of making the right moves to keep their championship aspirations alive, and extending Gordon’s contract would certainly be one of those moves.
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