​The Denver Nuggets have spent part of the offseason entertaining the possibility of pairing LeBron James with Nikola Jokic. The latest outlook, however, gives Nuggets fans little reason to expect that partnership to become reality.After assessing Denver’s place in the James sweepstakes, The Denver Post offered a blunt conclusion: “It’s best to assume LeBron won’t finish his career as a Nugget at this point.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat judgment does not mean Denver’s interest was invented. Nuggets reporter Bennett Durando previously reported that the organization contacted James in free agency, while James’ agent, Rich Paul, publicly confirmed that Denver belonged among the teams receiving consideration.But being considered and being a finalist are two different things.ESPN’s Shams Charania initially identified Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia as the teams receiving the most attention. In a more recent update, Charania listed Cleveland, Golden State, Miami, Philadelphia and Minnesota among the leading contenders without mentioning Denver.That omission supports the Denver Post’s assessment: Until James or his representatives provide a new signal, the Nuggets should be viewed as an increasingly unlikely destination.The basketball case remains compelling.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs the Denver Post noted, James could play alongside Jokic in Denver’s strongest lineups or run the offense with bench-heavy units when the three-time MVP rests.Jokic would relieve James of the responsibility to create every possession. James, in turn, would give Denver another elite decision-maker capable of organizing the offense when Jokic leaves the floor.That second role would be especially valuable. The Nuggets’ performance without Jokic has repeatedly influenced how they construct their bench, and James could stabilize those minutes without being asked to carry a traditional first-option workload for an entire game.He could screen for Jokic, attack rotating defenses, initiate offense for Jamal Murray and create favorable shots for Aaron Gordon and Denver’s perimeter players.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFew teams can offer James a teammate as accomplished or as unselfish as Jokic.Denver’s problem is that James is choosing more than an offensive system.Cleveland offers an emotional advantage Denver cannot reproduce.James began his career with the Cavaliers, delivered the franchise’s first championship and has deep personal ties to Northeast Ohio. A third Cleveland stint would allow him to complete his career where it began while still joining a competitive roster.Multiple recent reports have portrayed Cleveland as either the leader or the “scenario to beat.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGolden State presents a different kind of attraction: the opportunity to play alongside Stephen Curry.Curry has publicly expressed hope that a partnership happens, and the Warriors remain prominently connect