​If the Denver Nuggets plan to keep the same roster for next season, a number of players will start the year under intense pressure. Another disappointing campaign could trigger even more significant roster upheaval than what has already occurred. After a humiliating first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025-26 playoffs, the urge to rebound in Denver remains strong. With free agency open, fans are surprised that the Nuggets have not yet made any major moves. Whether Denver preserves its current core or adds new pieces, many Nuggets will enter the upcoming season with more to prove than others. If injuries and continued underperformance persist for certain players, the Nuggets will probably move on from them. After all, they cannot squander Nikola Jokić’s prime.
That said, here are the Nuggets players facing the most pressure heading into next season. At the bottom of this list, in terms of pressure, is Nikola Jokić—and for good reason. He has nothing left to prove. A three-time MVP and NBA champion, Jokić already stands as the greatest player in franchise history. Yet, there is still pressure surrounding him. Denver’s championship window hinges on his ability to perform at an elite level. With the possibility of waiting until next offseason to sign an extension, Jokić could eventually become a free agent. While it’s highly unlikely he won’t re-sign, the prospect of waiting adds a layer of uncertainty. One thing remains clear in the NBA: unexpected decisions can and will occur.
Recently, after a FIBA World Cup game, Jokić conveyed his intention to re-sign with the Nuggets next summer and to spend the rest of his career in Denver. This should ease concerns, as fans had grown anxious after reports suggested he might wait to sign. While it’s nearly unimaginable for Denver to move on from Jokić, his ability to continue playing at an elite level will shape the franchise’s next steps.
Next season, Jamal Murray faces pressure to perform, though not as much as some others on this list. Reports had suggested that, apart from Jokić, every Nuggets player could be available in trade discussions, but Murray’s on-court chemistry with Jokić makes him one of the more secure pieces in the lineup. Moreover, Murray just completed what was arguably the best season of his career, and Denver is unlikely to break up this duo in the near term. Nevertheless, if Murray doesn’t meet expectations next season or endures significant injuries, the Nuggets may need to explore other avenues to stay competitive. They could also consider moving him sooner rather than later, especially while his value remains high and if the front office determines roster adjustments are necessary. Recently, Murray’s name has repeatedly cropped up in trade rumors involving Jaylen Brown. Even though the Brown-for-Murray swap did not come to fruition, the chatter persisted, highlighting Murray as a focal point in potential offseason maneuvers to optimize the Nuggets’ future.