Nuggets’ GM Calvin Booth Says Jamal Murray Extension Should ‘Be Pretty Easy’ After 2024 Olympics
Jamal Murray, set to be a top free agent in the summer of 2025, is likely to resolve his contract situation much earlier. The Denver Nuggets’ star guard is eligible for a four-year, $208 million extension this offseason. General Manager Calvin Booth expressed optimism about securing the deal in a recent interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio.
“The Olympics are a big deal. I think having him focus on that and getting through that, and when he gets back, and that concludes, I think it’ll be pretty easy,” Booth said. “I don’t think it’ll be much of a negotiation.”
Murray is slated to earn around $36 million next season. If he extends for the maximum amount, his total earnings could reach approximately $244 million over the next five years, not accounting for potential options or non-guarantees. Despite his past injuries, including a torn ACL in 2021 and a calf injury in the 2024 postseason, Booth’s comments suggest the Nuggets aren’t looking to impose stringent conditions on Murray’s new contract.
Securing Murray is crucial for the Nuggets, especially after recent financial losses. The team couldn’t retain Bruce Brown, who left as a free agent post-2023 championship, due to salary cap constraints. While they could have outbid the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, doing so would have pushed them into the financially restrictive second apron.
In addition to Murray, the Nuggets will need to consider contract extensions for Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. come September. Gordon, with a player option for the 2025-26 season, is a priority for early extension talks. Porter, with three guaranteed years left, might not be rushed into a new deal given his underwhelming postseason performance.
Currently, the Nuggets’ core is centered around four players. Nikola Jokic is secured with a long-term contract, while Murray and Gordon might finalize new deals by the offseason’s end. Although Porter is locked in for now, his future could be flexible, especially if the team looks to replenish its depth after losing Brown and Caldwell-Pope in consecutive summers.
Maintaining this core is essential for the Nuggets amid these changes, and securing Murray’s extension is a significant step in that direction.
Comments