In late June, Shams Charania reported that the Nuggets and Murray were working towards a four-year, maximum-salary extension. The deal, projected to be worth $208.5 million, would start in the 2025-2026 season based on the NBA’s latest salary cap estimates. Despite these reports, as September nears and training camp approaches, no agreement has been reached.

Post-Olympics Delay

Reports indicated that contract talks took a back seat during the Paris Olympics due to Murray’s commitment to Team Canada for the 2024 Olympics. With the Olympics now over and Murray back in Denver, practicing at the Nuggets’ facilities, questions remain about the status of the extension. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the two sides will move forward with the maximum salary extension.

Murray Seeks a Guaranteed Deal

A four-year extension would be a significant investment for the Nuggets, especially if Murray can remain at his peak performance level. However, his injury history raises concerns. Murray’s performance in the NBA playoffs and during the Olympics was not at his best, which may be contributing to the delay in finalizing a deal. The Nuggets might be considering the inclusion of an injury clause or partially guaranteed years to protect themselves.

Murray has yet to make an All-Star team, making a fully guaranteed contract worth an average of $52 million annually a risky proposition. This potential deal could add financial strain to a franchise already grappling with a high payroll. The Nuggets have already lost key players like Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope due to financial constraints in consecutive offseasons.

Despite these concerns, reports from July suggest that Murray and his agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, are unwilling to accept a contract with conditions tied to playing time or fitness. They are holding out for a fully guaranteed contract, which seems to be a significant factor in the ongoing negotiations.

The Nuggets’ Roster Situation

Nuggets president Josh Kroenke recently stated that he believes the team’s roster is set for the regular season. However, the absence of a finalized deal with Murray is cause for concern. His underwhelming playoff and Olympic performances, combined with the team’s financial situation, have complicated the extension talks. Nevertheless, Murray has been an essential part of the Nuggets’ success, including their 2023 NBA championship win alongside Nikola Jokic. The Denver front office is likely to prioritize securing Murray’s extension, especially given the losses of key players in recent offseasons.

The Final Word

Nuggets fans have reason to hope that General Manager Calvin Booth will finalize a contract extension with Murray’s representatives before the season starts. Murray’s importance to the team’s success and his desire for a substantial contract make reaching an agreement beneficial for both sides. However, if the season begins with Murray on an expiring contract and no extension in place, it could be a worrying sign. The resolution of the Murray contract saga is something to watch closely as the season approache.