Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is preparing to enter his fourth full season with the team ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The high-flyer has been a fantastic addition to the team since they acquired him in 2021.
Additionally, he has developed into a legitimate two-way player and played a crucial role in helping the Nuggets win their first-ever NBA championship just one year ago. However, as the Nuggets aim to get back to the top, they may be without Gordon sooner rather than later.
According to Shams Charania, there is “a worry” that the Nuggets may not be able to extend Gordon, who is eligible for a new contract until October 21
"The Denver Nuggets have so much money invested in this team and they still have to pay Aaron Gordon..
He's gonna be coveted by any team with cap space if he gets to free agency" @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/4tk8OpNfaq
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 1, 2024
“They need to pay [Gordon], they know it, but there are some salary restrictions moving forward in the years to come, and if they can’t get there with an extension with him, you look into free agency next year with a player option, he’s going to be coveted by any team with cap space, so that is a worry for Denver right now before the start of the regular season,” Charania said.
Gordon currently has two years left on his contract. This includes a $22.8 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
Insider Reveals Worrying Aaron Gordon Extension Update
What Aaron Gordon Brings to the Denver Nuggets
In parts of four seasons in Denver, Gordon has progressively become a better player on the court. As a member of the team, the former Orlando Magic forward has averaged 14.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. Additionally, he has shot an incredible 54.2% from the field. For the 2022-23 season, Gordon finished 11th in Most Improved Player voting as well.
Gordon has provided tremendous all-around basketball in Denver, making an extension a likely priority for both sides. Additionally, the Arizona alum recently revealed that he is hoping for a contract extension to remain with the Nuggets.
Aaron Gordon on the contract extension that he's eligible to sign as soon as tomorrow:
"I really love this organization. I love the players on this team. I love the coaching staff. I hope we get it done. It seems like it’s moving forward in the right direction," AG says.— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) September 26, 2024
The Last Word
Gordon has been great for Denver. However, as Charania said, he may be too expensive for the Nuggets to keep him around. In addition to Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. is also eligible for a contract extension this year. Porter has three years left on his five-year, $179.3 million contract. While it is unclear where Porter and the Nuggets stand on a potential contract extension, it is fair to assume keeping him around is a bigger priority for the team over Gordon.
