October 22nd 2024.
Michael Malone couldn't help but smile as he finalized Aaron Gordon's contract extension. The timing couldn't have been better - just in time for the start of the season. After securing a max extension with point guard Jamal Murray, this was the final piece of the puzzle for the Denver Nuggets. With the four-year, $133 million deal, the team could finally put the heavily scrutinized offseason behind them and focus on the upcoming basketball season. The 2024-25 season was looking bright with their four best players locked in for the next three years.
It was a relief for Malone to have all the roster uncertainty put to rest, at least for the time being. As he put it, "As a coach, you want everybody focusing on the task at hand, and that's the season." With Gordon's contract extension, they could now fully concentrate on their goal of winning a championship. Gordon himself shared Malone's excitement, saying, "I'm ecstatic. I'm really excited about it. I'm glad to be back."
The timing of the extension was also a huge win for the front office. While Gordon was eligible to sign an extension until the end of June next year, the deal was finalized on the deadline night. This allowed them to include an opt-in on his previous contract's 2025-26 player option, saving the team millions in cap space and luxury tax payments. This also left them with enough room to potentially acquire a free agent next summer.
For Gordon, it was a win-win situation. He would still receive his max salary for the last three years of the contract, but the delay in the extension meant significant savings for the team. As he puts it, "Winning cures everything." And he is determined to do his part to help the team succeed. "I'm just gonna do what I can to hold up my end of the bargain," he said.
Gordon's end of the bargain is no small feat. He will continue to earn his max salary for the next three years, starting at around $32 million in 2026-27. But for the 29-year-old power forward, it's not just about the money. He is here to win, and he believes this team has a great opportunity to do just that. "That's really what I'm here to do, and that's really what I want to do, is win," he said.
It was evident that Gordon's teammates and coach have also played a significant role in his decision to stay in Denver. He praised his experience playing with center Nikola Jokic and coach Michael Malone, saying, "From the moment that I got here, Mike Malone has put me in a position to succeed and flourish." He also expressed his appreciation for his talented teammates, saying, "Playing alongside Joker, Jamal, MPJ, and being coached under Mike Malone, what more can you ask for?"
But for Gordon, this team is more than just a group of talented players. They have become a family, especially after the passing of his older brother in May. He changed his jersey number to honor his brother, and his teammates have been there for him every step of the way. "It's an amazing feeling, having a group of guys that care for you so much," he said. "It doesn't happen often in the NBA where you have a group of guys that really care about each other on and off the floor."
As the new season approaches, the Denver Nuggets are looking stronger than ever. With their core players locked in for the next few years, the team has a great chance at achieving their goals. And for Gordon, there's nowhere else he'd rather be. "I love the characters on this team," he said. "It's an amazing feeling to have a group of guys that care about each other on and off the floor."
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
