Breaking:  4-Time NBA Rebounding Champion Considered Ideal Backup for Nikola Jokic by Nuggets.

Breaking:  4-Time NBA Rebounding Champion Considered Ideal Backup for Nikola Jokic by Nuggets…

The Denver Nuggets are focused on improving their bench depth this offseason, especially by securing a reliable backup for star center Nikola Jokic.

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz identified Andre Drummond, a four-time NBA rebounding champion, as an ideal free agency target for the Nuggets.

“Although Drummond and Jokic are vastly different players, Drummond is likely the best option Denver can afford with only veteran-minimum contracts available,” Swartz explained.

Drummond remains an elite rebounder. Had he played enough minutes to qualify, his 29.3 percent rebound rate would have led the NBA, surpassing Jusuf Nurkic by 6.5 percentage points. The difference between Drummond and Nurkic was similar to that between Nurkic and Bobby Portis, who ranked 25th in the league.

During the playoffs, the Nuggets were outscored by 20.1 points per 100 possessions when Jokic was not on the court, according to Basketball Reference.

Drummond is considered an upgrade over Deandre Jordan, Jokic’s current backup, but the Nuggets are limited to offering Drummond the veteran minimum of $3.3 million.

Bleacher Report’s salary cap expert Eric Pincus suggested Drummond could secure a slightly higher salary, ranging from $5-8 million, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns also in contention for his services. The Thunder have the cap space to outbid the Nuggets and Suns if a bidding war occurs.

Additionally, Drummond might return to the Chicago Bulls, who possess his early Bird rights and could offer up to $13 million.

Nikola Jokic’s Potential Record-Breaking Contract

With the NBA salary cap set to increase due to a new TV deal, Jokic could become the first player to sign a $400 million contract by 2028, as per Bleacher Report’s Bryan Toporek.

“Jokic is under contract through 2026-27, with a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28,” Toporek reported. “If he declines this option, he could sign a five-year, $381 million extension similar to what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander might secure in 2026-27.”

If Jokic opts into his 2027-28 player option, he could sign a $400 million contract, potentially reaching $419,069,343 over five years.

Nuggets Mourn Aaron Gordon’s Brother

The Nuggets expressed their condolences following the tragic death of Aaron Gordon’s brother, Drew, in a vehicular accident.

“The Denver Nuggets organization is devastated by the tragic passing of Drew Gordon,” the team stated. “Drew was far too young, but his legacy will live on through his children and loved ones. Our hearts go out to Aaron and the Gordon family during this difficult time.”

Drew Gordon, who died on May 30 at age 33 in Clackamas County, Oregon, was involved in a crash between a three-wheeled autocycle and a GMC Sierra pickup. Drew Gordon played nine games for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2014-15 season.