The Denver Nuggets and their champion starting forward, Aaron Gordon, are in active talks of a contract extension. However, according to recent reports, the Nuggets are not willing to offer Gorodn a maximum contract.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on a recent episode of The Hoop Collective that the Nuggets are “hopeful” to sign Gordon to a new deal below the $150 million that he’s eligible to receive.
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“From what I understand, they are negotiating with Aaron Gordon,” said Windhorst. “Aaron Gordon was eligible for a four-year, $150 million-ish contract extension. They haven’t handed out that offer, otherwise he would have signed it. From what I understand, they are negotiating and they’re hopeful of getting him at less than what would be his quote, unquote max. We’ll see if that get that done, but I think they’re trying to do a negotiation there.”
So, while talks are active, the Nuggets appear unwilling to give Gordon what he desires. Gordon is eligible to sign a four-year deal worth up to $143.3 million that would begin in the 2025-26 season.
Gordon shared his desire to stay with the Nuggets organization and expressed how much he loves the city.
“I really love this organization,” Gordon said. “I love the players on this team. I love the coaching staff. So I hope we get it done. It seems like it’s moving forward in the right direction, so I’m excited. I’m excited hopefully to be extended and to stay with this organization.”
The 29-year-old is on a bargain this season at $22.8 million; however, with the extension that he is eligible for, it is a fair price considering what he can and has brought to the team.
Gordon averaged 13.9 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 0.8 steals while shooting 55.6 percent from the field in 73 games. He was traded to the Nuggets prior to the 2021 trade deadline, and he has been huge for them since he made his way to Mile High City.
On paper, Gordon may not seem like a star player or worth that amount of money, but he brings so much to the Nuggets, and he showed that in their championship run and beyond.
Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth wants to ensure that Gordon is here to stay.
“Hopefully we have some productive talks with his representation, and we’re able to find a deal that we’re both satisfied with. He’s been an integral part of what we’ve done. And we’d like to keep him here for a long time.”
If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, things could quickly turn sour. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case in the situation as it stands.
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