After completing several offseason roster moves, the Denver Nuggets enter the 2025-26 season projected to be one of the front-runners to win the NBA championship.
The Nuggets got started by acquiring Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets for Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round pick. The front office also sent Dario Šarić to the Sacramento Kings for center Jonas Valančiūnas, while signing Bruce Brown Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr.
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Behind their additions, the Nuggets currently have the fourth-highest title odds (plus-750), trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder (plus-275) in the Western Conference. The group enters its first year under David Adelman, who was promoted to full-time head coach on May 22.
With the team opening training camp on Sept. 30, Rookie Wire examined the Nuggets’ depth chart and offered an early projection of the starters and backups entering the season.
PG
Dec 5, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) shoots beside Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the second quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Jamal Murray: $46,394,100
Jalen Pickett: $2,221,677
SG
May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) shoots a three point basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Christian Braun: $4,921,797
Julian Strawther: $2,674,200
Tim Hardaway Jr.: $2,296,274
SF
Dec 19, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Bruce Brown Jr.: $2,296,274
PF
May 13, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) gestures after scoring against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of game five of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Aaron Gordon: $22,841,455
Peyton Watson: $4,356,476
C
Apr 9, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) looks on during a free throw in the first quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Nikola Jokić: $55,224,526
Jonas Valančiūnas: $10,395,000
DaRon Holmes II: $3,218,760
Two-Way Contracts
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Nuggets depth chart: Projecting starters, backups for 2025-26 season