$200 Million Extension? Nuggets Should Trade Fast! The Second Star Won’t Help Westbrook Win a Championship...

Jamal Murray's recent performances have been nothing short of perplexing, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning his ability to perform at the highest level. Once hailed as a rising star in the NBA, Murray's struggles on the international stage and in the NBA playoffs have cast a shadow over his future. Despite his past successes, including a key role in the Denver Nuggets' 2023 championship run, Murray's current form suggests that the Nuggets might need to rethink their long-term plans, especially with the potential of a $200 million contract extension looming.

Murray's performance at the Paris Olympics was particularly alarming. Averaging just 6 points per game, with 3.8 assists and 2.3 turnovers, his shooting percentages were abysmal—29% from the field and a mere 14.3% from beyond the arc. These are shockingly low numbers for a player who, in the NBA, consistently averages over 20 points per game. In the quarterfinal match against host nation France, Murray’s struggles were on full display as he shot just 3 of 13 from the field, finishing with only 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. Canada, despite boasting a roster filled with NBA talent, was eliminated in the quarterfinals, falling short of their medal aspirations. Much of the blame has been placed on Murray's shoulders, as his lackluster performance significantly hindered Canada’s chances.

Critics might argue that some players simply aren’t suited for FIBA competition—a sentiment echoed by many when discussing Murray's international play. However, the reality is that Murray's struggles aren’t confined to the international stage. His recent NBA performances have also raised concerns about his ability to be the cornerstone of a championship team. In the second round of the NBA playoffs earlier this year, Murray averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of just 40.3%. His inconsistency was a major factor in the Nuggets' seven-game series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a series that ended Denver's hopes of defending their title. If Murray had been able to deliver even a slightly better performance, the outcome of that series could have been very different.

Despite these struggles, the Nuggets are reportedly preparing to offer Murray a four-year, $209 million max extension. This decision seems almost inevitable, given Denver's limited options. The Nuggets are in a precarious position; they can’t afford to lose a player of Murray's caliber, yet his recent performances suggest that he may no longer be capable of leading the team to another championship. The question then becomes: should the Nuggets take a gamble on Murray finding his peak form again, or should they explore the possibility of trading him before committing to such a massive contract?

Some voices within the basketball community are advocating for the latter. Trading Murray now, while he still holds significant value, could provide the Nuggets with the flexibility to rebuild or retool their roster around another star. Murray's sharp decline in form, combined with the departure of key shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic, casts doubt on the Nuggets' championship prospects for the upcoming season. The idea of trading Murray might seem drastic, but it’s a move that could potentially save the Nuggets from years of mediocrity.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the arrival of Russell Westbrook in Denver. Westbrook, who signed a two-year, $6.8 million contract with a player option for the second year, is now tasked with helping the Nuggets compete for a title. However, the pairing of Westbrook with a declining Murray might not be the solution Denver needs. Westbrook, who last wore the number 4 jersey during his time with the Washington Wizards in the 2020-2021 season, is known for his relentless energy and ability to post triple-doubles. During that season, he averaged an impressive 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game, leading the Wizards to the playoffs. But that was three years ago, and both Westbrook and the Nuggets are no longer in their prime.

Westbrook’s move to Denver was initially met with optimism, especially considering his reduced salary and the potential for him to provide a veteran presence on a contending team. However, the reality of the situation is sobering. The Nuggets, once a team with legitimate championship aspirations, now face a season filled with uncertainty. Westbrook is no longer the explosive force he once was, and Murray’s decline only adds to the team’s challenges. The idea that two negatives can make a positive might work in mathematics, but in the competitive world of professional sports, it’s rarely the case.

As the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, they are confronted with difficult decisions that could define the franchise's future. Murray’s potential extension, Westbrook's role on the team, and the departure of key players like Caldwell-Pope all contribute to a sense of unease in Denver. The Nuggets must carefully consider their options, weighing the risks and rewards of sticking with their current core versus making bold moves to reshape the roster.

In the end, it’s clear that Murray's struggles are more than just a blip on the radar—they are indicative of a larger issue that the Nuggets must address. Whether through a trade or by finding a way to rejuvenate his career, the team cannot afford to ignore the warning signs. Westbrook, for all his experience and tenacity, cannot carry this team alone, and without a reliable second star, the Nuggets' championship hopes may be slipping away.

The road ahead for Denver is fraught with challenges, and the decisions they make in the coming months will have long-lasting implications. The Nuggets must act swiftly and decisively, whether that means offering Murray the extension and hoping for a resurgence or exploring trade options that could bring new life to the franchise. One thing is certain: the status quo is not an option if Denver truly wants to remain in the championship conversation.