2026 NBA Season

[danherbias07]

What can you say about this news?

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

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10139947-nba-rumors-aaron-gordon-wont-get-150m-max-contract-offer-from-nugget

So it means that the Nuggets wanted to retain him, however, they don't want to give him the possible max contract. And so if this is the case then we might see another part of the core team of Nuggets who win their NBA ring might not be with team. He have seen, KCP is the latest of the Nuggets that decided to move out, so maybe Gordon will be the next one.

In any case, still plenty of time for him to show his worth in this coming season. Worse case scenario is that if the Nuggets won't make it to the finals, just maybe they will lose another great player in their team. Gordon has evolved into a high flyer to a veteran and a great defender and then he can still score if needed specially in clutch. Two years still though in his contract and by that time, maybe it's a different Nugget team or Gordon started to decline as well.

They are packed with high-paid players now because of the last contract with Jamal Murray. Luxury tax will be a big pain in the ass if they will give Aaron Gordon such a huge amount. They are saying that now not maybe because they saw less value in Gordon but I think they are just trying to not go way beyond the salary cap while Gordon still has a contract with him. They still have a year so there's no rush although I believe some players can be boosted when they are given the high amount of payment.
Well, I am sure Jamal Murray will play harder after his new big contract but the Nuggets still need some pieces that will strengthen their bench. No disrespect to AG but it's possible that the Nuggets are also saving the money to pull more roleplayers and make them a champion again.
Truly, the value of Gordon now is better thanks to their championship and we saw how he can easily create chemistry with great passers like Jokic and I don't doubt that many teams will be delighted to sign him up.

[Jating]

---
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10139947-nba-rumors-aaron-gordon-wont-get-150m-max-contract-offer-from-nugget

So it means that the Nuggets wanted to retain him, however, they don't want to give him the possible max contract. And so if this is the case then we might see another part of the core team of Nuggets who win their NBA ring might not be with team. He have seen, KCP is the latest of the Nuggets that decided to move out, so maybe Gordon will be the next one.

In any case, still plenty of time for him to show his worth in this coming season. Worse case scenario is that if the Nuggets won't make it to the finals, just maybe they will lose another great player in their team. Gordon has evolved into a high flyer to a veteran and a great defender and then he can still score if needed specially in clutch. Two years still though in his contract and by that time, maybe it's a different Nugget team or Gordon started to decline as well.

The best example for this one is Jalen Brunson. He accepted a pay cut of around $110 Million more or less just to have some cap space to acquire more and better players. I hope more players will be like him especially now that the new CBA rule is really a problem especially for those who are paying more than what's intended.

In one of the interviews, Gordon said that he will do everything just to give Westbrook a ring. Well, both of them have 2 years left on their contract still, but if he wants to fulfill it then doing it in Denver is his best option unless the team decided to trade Westbrook. As for the max contract, I'm expecting something positive like accepting a pay cut just to stay with the team because I don't want him to not be with them especially, we've seen how important his role is for the team. Now if he will try to find another team just because he wants the max then that's where the problem starts for the team because Jokic and Murray will be lacking reliable role players.

Well, I believe that he will accept a pay cut if he believes that the team can still win one more title.

It will still have to depend on Gordon's performance for the next two years, if he is willing to have a pay-cut then good for the Nuggets. But if his play declined and not be as valuable as he used to be then maybe the Nuggets might cut him out.

But we appreciate players who do this kind of pay cut, I mean they are not selfish likes others who just wanted to have a good pay and continue to play despite having a bad performance or even not playing. And it will be good for Aaron to stay with the team though that give him his first ring and give him a chance to evolved as a two way player.

[LogitechMouse]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

One game isn't enough for a player to be called "deserving" especially if he isn't consistent. One player can score 50 points and then score 2 points in the following games.

Despite the 17-point performance against the Warriors, this doesn't change the fact that he doesn't deserve to be in the NBA, but... he has his dad that will help him stay and knowing how powerful Le-GM is, he will do everything to let his son stay in the league. It's quite funny how the media is talking about this, and nobody's talking about Knecht's monstrous performance against Phoenix. I'm not saying that nobody's talking about it, but there are way more people talking about the 17-point performance of Bronny James than Knecht's 30+ point game and carried his team like he's, their all-star.

No offense from Bronny, but I don't see any significant thing about him and there might be some that might agree with me on this one. Like you said though, let's see how he will be playing during the regular season because 5 pre-season games aren't enough for a player to be judged IMO.

---
But we appreciate players who do this kind of pay cut, I mean they are not selfish likes others who just wanted to have a good pay and continue to play despite having a bad performance or even not playing. And it will be good for Aaron to stay with the team though that give him his first ring and give him a chance to evolved as a two way player.

Well, if having a pay cut would mean new title for them then money doesn't matter to them. There are players who care to win the title more than the money that they can get, and vice-versa and like you said, I appreciate them as well. I hope that Gordon will be as good as he is when they won a title and at the same time, accept a pay cut if needed for the betterment of the team.

[Finestream]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

In a game where they were fully dominated, that stat really doesn’t mean much because they weren’t playing any defense. It would’ve been interesting if they somehow made the game close, but that wasn’t the case, and Bronny’s success came during a blowout loss.

[AbuBhakar]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

In a game where they were fully dominated, that stat really doesn’t mean much because they weren’t playing any defense. It would’ve been interesting if they somehow made the game close, but that wasn’t the case, and Bronny’s success came during a blowout loss.

I think this is different for a player that is still rookie on NBA. Even a blow out game is still important for Rookie since they are playing against an NBA caliber not college players anymore so making a shot against these players is different against when you are on college.

It gives confidence top if you finally have something good on your stats sheet since it’s still a score and recorded on his preseason data.

People is comparing him already to veteran NBA player while he is just a rookie.

[jossiel]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

Whether people will argue if he deserves the spot or not, no one can do anything anymore with that because he's already signed.

It's too early to tell but that was an impressive game from him. What I think for now is his teammate Dalton that even if he gets an impressive plays for this preseason, I doubt that he'll get more playing time especially when he's with Lebron.

Whilst for Bronny, he'd sure get more playing time than him.

[avp2306]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

Whether people will argue if he deserves the spot or not, no one can do anything anymore with that because he's already signed.

It's too early to tell but that was an impressive game from him. What I think for now is his teammate Dalton that even if he gets an impressive plays for this preseason, I doubt that he'll get more playing time especially when he's with Lebron.

Whilst for Bronny, he'd sure get more playing time than him.

Well I guess Lakers is not to dumb to place Bronny if he cannot perform well since somehow they need to win rather than babysit him. For sure they are thinking about giving some good minutes for Dalton since they provably how the young guy perform.

Everything will be in balance since for sure that Lakers management don't want to lose since this is bad for their franchise. But who knows maybe in Lakers Bronny could learn a lot and he became a good player just like his father then he get good role from this team.

[GreatArkansas]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

Whether people will argue if he deserves the spot or not, no one can do anything anymore with that because he's already signed.

It's too early to tell but that was an impressive game from him. What I think for now is his teammate Dalton that even if he gets an impressive plays for this preseason, I doubt that he'll get more playing time especially when he's with Lebron.

Whilst for Bronny, he'd sure get more playing time than him.

Well I guess Lakers is not to dumb to place Bronny if he cannot perform well since somehow they need to win rather than babysit him. For sure they are thinking about giving some good minutes for Dalton since they provably how the young guy perform.

Everything will be in balance since for sure that Lakers management don't want to lose since this is bad for their franchise. But who knows maybe in Lakers Bronny could learn a lot and he became a good player just like his father then he get good role from this team.

Bronny can play. I don't know why some people hate him, lol. For sure it's because of his father?
About the franchise, I agree with it, they will not risk their franchise just for Bronny like for the fame only because they know how controversial right on this father and son duo, especially it's Lebron James. It's still early to judge.

[jossiel]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

Whether people will argue if he deserves the spot or not, no one can do anything anymore with that because he's already signed.

It's too early to tell but that was an impressive game from him. What I think for now is his teammate Dalton that even if he gets an impressive plays for this preseason, I doubt that he'll get more playing time especially when he's with Lebron.

Whilst for Bronny, he'd sure get more playing time than him.

Well I guess Lakers is not to dumb to place Bronny if he cannot perform well since somehow they need to win rather than babysit him. For sure they are thinking about giving some good minutes for Dalton since they provably how the young guy perform.

Everything will be in balance since for sure that Lakers management don't want to lose since this is bad for their franchise. But who knows maybe in Lakers Bronny could learn a lot and he became a good player just like his father then he get good role from this team.

Well, you don't underestimate the influence of his dad. But we'll see how Dalton will be given some minutes, to be honest he's more promising.

I wish the team all the best as they're always one of the crowd favorites and with their lineup doesn't seem to be bumped unlike the others. I hope to see them go in the playoffs again and reach further with this roster.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

Whether people will argue if he deserves the spot or not, no one can do anything anymore with that because he's already signed.

It's too early to tell but that was an impressive game from him. What I think for now is his teammate Dalton that even if he gets an impressive plays for this preseason, I doubt that he'll get more playing time especially when he's with Lebron.

Whilst for Bronny, he'd sure get more playing time than him.

Well I guess Lakers is not to dumb to place Bronny if he cannot perform well since somehow they need to win rather than babysit him. For sure they are thinking about giving some good minutes for Dalton since they provably how the young guy perform.

Everything will be in balance since for sure that Lakers management don't want to lose since this is bad for their franchise. But who knows maybe in Lakers Bronny could learn a lot and he became a good player just like his father then he get good role from this team.

Bronny can play. I don't know why some people hate him, lol. For sure it's because of his father?
About the franchise, I agree with it, they will not risk their franchise just for Bronny like for the fame only because they know how controversial right on this father and son duo, especially it's Lebron James. It's still early to judge.

Obviously, he can play just like the rest of 54th pick before him. The argument though is that he is not NBA ready and that Lebron James with his influence from the Lakers management, wanted them to pick up him so that they can play together and make history.

How about him no scoring that much when they've lost the Suns? If I'm not mistaken, he only got 4 points.

And then you can see Booker reacting to him and saying that he is not that good as compare to his father.

[dwyane36]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

It would seem that 17 points with such a poor field goal percentage would not surprise anyone, but still, we should give Bronny credit because no one expected such a performance from him. This shows that he is gradually gaining experience and improving his skills, so his future in the NBA isn't quite as hopeless as it may have seemed at first. But at the same time, we shouldn't expect that Bronny will be able to repeat the path of Isaiah Thomas, who was selected with the 60th draft pick.

[TravelMug]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

It would seem that 17 points with such a poor field goal percentage would not surprise anyone, but still, we should give Bronny credit because no one expected such a performance from him. This shows that he is gradually gaining experience and improving his skills, so his future in the NBA isn't quite as hopeless as it may have seemed at first. But at the same time, we shouldn't expect that Bronny will be able to repeat the path of Isaiah Thomas, who was selected with the 60th draft pick.

Still a long way to go for Bronny, and he knows that every body is watching his career, or even every games he played and so he is willing to give that body of him in the game. And so you can see that he has flashes of his father, although he is a big smaller, but he can play defense and read it just like his father.

So still this early, we can say all we want against his and he knows that. The only thing he can do so shut down his detractors is to play really hard, not just in scoring, but also playing tough defense so that he can be given more time by the new coach JJ Redick.

[Oasisman]

I just read that Bronny's 17 point performance the other day was the highest scoring outing in the preseason by a 55th+ pick in the last 15 years.  Maybe not the most impressive stat, but it shows that Bronny might actually deserve to be where he's at.  We'll see when the season starts I guess, but for going as far down as he did in the draft he has changed the conversation with that 17 point performance.

It would seem that 17 points with such a poor field goal percentage would not surprise anyone, but still, we should give Bronny credit because no one expected such a performance from him. This shows that he is gradually gaining experience and improving his skills, so his future in the NBA isn't quite as hopeless as it may have seemed at first. But at the same time, we shouldn't expect that Bronny will be able to repeat the path of Isaiah Thomas, who was selected with the 60th draft pick.

I honestly don't see any slight chances about Bronny being able to achieve what Isaiah had, at least currently with what we've seen of his performance all throughout the preseason including the summer league. That 17 pts game maybe be impressive for a 55th pick overall, but he's actually shooting more and it's below 50%. I can't deny the fact that he could do that because LeBron is his father. But, dont get me wrong, I'm not hating against the kid, in fact I am wishing he'd change the narratives as the regular season progresses.

[OgNasty]

Aaron Gordon getting himself 133 million over the next three years. Not bad. Denver is doing the best they can at trying to lock up their core.

[Ziskinberg]

Aaron Gordon getting himself 133 million over the next three years. Not bad. Denver is doing the best they can at trying to lock up their core.

That’s great news for him! It’s not a massive deal, but getting to play for an already proven team—what more could he ask for? So, no more speculations about this one, and with that, we can say the Denver Nuggets are all set for next season.

looking at their payroll, he is still at the number 4 in terms of salary ranking.

https://hoopshype.com/salaries/denver_nuggets/

[danherbias07]

Later will be the tipoff of the NBA regular season, finally, after a long wait.

The Boston Celtics will be playing at home against the New York Knicks. This is a good test of strength for both sides. Let's see if the Knicks could some how show their fans that they really have a winning chance against the defending champions.

Despite this time being the start of the regular season, an article about power rankings has already been made.
https://www.nba.com/news/power-rankings-2024-25-week-1
Power Rankings, Week 1: Celtics lead the way as 2024-25 begins

#1 Boston Celtics
#2 Oklahoma City Thunder
#3 New York Knicks
#4 Minnesota Timberwolves
#5 Denver Nuggets
...

One team that might surprise them, and could be a dark horse is Orlando Magic. They gave the Cavaliers a hard time in the first round of the playoffs last year going to Game 7 and I didn't even expect them to reach the playoffs at all because of their young roster but they proved many wrong, they can win games and with the addition of KCP, they will have a good defender against backcourt dependent teams.

[Fredomago]

Later will be the tipoff of the NBA regular season, finally, after a long wait.

The Boston Celtics will be playing at home against the New York Knicks. This is a good test of strength for both sides. Let's see if the Knicks could some how show their fans that they really have a winning chance against the defending champions.

Let's see if how effective KAT might be in the regular season, how the chemistry between him and Brunson will work for the entire team, while with Boston who doesn't have that much movement with their system still the same core that will going to play.

Despite this time being the start of the regular season, an article about power rankings has already been made.
https://www.nba.com/news/power-rankings-2024-25-week-1
Power Rankings, Week 1: Celtics lead the way as 2024-25 begins

#1 Boston Celtics
#2 Oklahoma City Thunder
#3 New York Knicks
#4 Minnesota Timberwolves
#5 Denver Nuggets
...

One team that might surprise them, and could be a dark horse is Orlando Magic. They gave the Cavaliers a hard time in the first round of the playoffs last year going to Game 7 and I didn't even expect them to reach the playoffs at all because of their young roster but they proved many wrong, they can win games and with the addition of KCP, they will have a good defender against backcourt dependent teams.

With KCP working with those young stars it would be nice sharing his championship experienced, Magic needs that sentiment to boost up the entire squad, they already surprise their fans last season they might be showing more this upcoming one.

[Dave1]

Aaron Gordon getting himself 133 million over the next three years. Not bad. Denver is doing the best they can at trying to lock up their core.

Yeah, I also saw that news, I do remember that we have discussing his case as well, but 133 million is a huge amount of money and with that, the core is going to be intact for the Nuggets and for sure they will go at it for another run this year. They just feel short last year as obviously they are tired trying to case a good record going into the playoff and was lucky to win against the Lakers in the 1st round.

For KAT, it looks like him and Brunson has settled already, KAT doing his outside shot and assist coming from Jalen. Obviously, we wanted to see how deep the Knicks can get into the playoff and they have traded the last remnants of the old version of NYK and that is Julius Randle.

[Yaunfitda]

Later will be the tipoff of the NBA regular season, finally, after a long wait.

The Boston Celtics will be playing at home against the New York Knicks. This is a good test of strength for both sides. Let's see if the Knicks could some how show their fans that they really have a winning chance against the defending champions.

Yeah, it will be good to see a different Knicks team with Towns and Brunson now as the new leader to go against the defending champions. Boston didn't have that much change and for sure they are looking for a repeat this season. Back to back won't be that bad as they have the best duo, Tatum and Brown. Although there is one drawback as KP is not going to play as he is recovering from injuries the last time I read. Last season there was a lot of promise from the Orlando Magic, but I guess the lack of experience really took a tool on them. But with KCP experience, playing with the Lakers and then winning with the Nuggets, he might really push the young players to performed at their peak. So let's see how it goes, fans are waiting for the season and it's time to bet again.

[btc_angela]

In this case, if the Nuggets is going to offer, could be not max contract as well with Gordon because they have other priorities like Jokic and Murray.

Gordon has to realize that the Nuggets already had Jokic and Murray leading the way before he arrived. In fact, during his first season with them, he had his struggles but was given the chance to grow his game. There’s no denying that his presence has really strengthened their defense, but he can't demand a max contract if it means jeopardizing the team's future. No matter how you look at it, the team has its priorities: Jokic is number 1, and Murray is second.

Ok, I guess we have seen by now that Gordon got a good contract extension already. So there will be no speculation whatsoever that he will be leaving the team. And I think it's a good decision by the Nuggets management as they can make another run, with Jokic, Murray, Porter Jr and then Gordon, now they have Westbrook as well.

So it's really a good move by the Nuggets and then didn't let go of one of the two way and elite defenders in that position.

And from time to time, Gordon gives us the show when his dunking ability that he had in the beginning of his career that's why he is a fan favorite as well in Denver.