The Nuggets are considering trades involving Zeke Nnaji and the 26th overall pick as they manage a cap crunch ahead of Peyton Watson’s restricted free agency. Nnaji, a former first-round pick, has not been in Denver’s rotation and is owed $14.9MM over the next two seasons. Meanwhile, the Jazz aim to re-sign veteran center Jusuf Nurkic after his strong season. The Suns are navigating contracts for Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin, while also eyeing an extension for Dillon Brooks, potentially worth $25MM per year. Lastly, the Magic may need to trade one of their lottery picks due to increasing salary commitments, especially with Paolo Banchero’s max extension beginning next season.

By the Numbers
  • Zeke Nnaji is owed $14.9MM over the next two seasons.
  • Jusuf Nurkic averaged 10.9 points and 10.4 rebounds in his first season with Utah.
  • Dillon Brooks could command about $25MM per year in an extension.
  • Mark Williams is expected to receive an offer around the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, projected at $15MM annually.
Yes, But

While the Nuggets are open to trading Nnaji, his lack of playing time may limit interest from other teams. The financial implications of the deals for the Suns and Magic highlight the tension between managing cap space and securing talent. Concerns about Nurkic’s effectiveness relative to his contract could also play a role in the Jazz's negotiations.

State of Play
  • The Nuggets are facing a cap crunch while discussing potential trades.
  • The Suns have successfully re-signed Collin Gillespie but still need to address key contract negotiations.
  • Orlando is grappling with rising salary demands, particularly with Banchero's extension.
  • Trade speculation surrounds one of Orlando's recent lottery picks as financial pressures mount.
What's Next

Expect the Nuggets to finalize their trade discussions with an emphasis on offloading Nnaji while navigating financial constraints. The Suns could prioritize renewing contracts for Williams and Goodwin to prevent losing depth. The Magic may soon face key decisions about extending Black or trading a young asset to manage their salary cap better.

Bottom Line

The NBA’s offseason is shaping up to be highly strategic, as teams like the Nuggets, Suns, and Magic maneuver through cap complexities, aiming to balance talent retention with financial sustainability. Managing expiring contracts effectively will be crucial for teams in the coming years.