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The Denver Nuggets reportedly aren’t interested in paying forward Aaron Gordon a maximum contract value of four years and $150 million during extension negotiations.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Friday’s 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 (h/t RealGM).
Gordon still has two years remaining on his current contract, which includes a $22.8 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
A potential four-year, $150 million contract would be worth $37.5 million per year. If the maximum extension is signed and kicks in after his current deal, Gordon’s average annual salary would become the ninth-highest among power forwards in the NBA during the 2026-27 season (via Spotrac).
It’s a steep price for Gordon despite his off-ball offensive impact and defensive acumen, especially considering seven of the eight players that would be ranked above him have at least one All-Star appearance.
Despite the reported unwillingness to pay Gordon the maximum amount he’s eligible for, there was optimism between both sides regarding an extension during media day on Sept. 26.
“I really love this organization,” Gordon said, per NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin. “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.”
Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth also made it clear that he hopes an agreement is eventually reached.
“Hopefully we have some productive talks with his representation, and we’re able to find a deal that we’re both satisfied with,” Booth said, via Helin. “He’s been an integral part of what we’ve done. And we’d like to keep him here for a long time.”
Gordon has played a crucial role alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokić in Denver’s frontcourt, as the pair helped the franchise win a championship in 2023. Last season, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game on 55.6 percent shooting.
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