The Denver Nuggets recently concluded a surprising postseason run after an unexpected shake-up just before the regular season ended, when head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth were dismissed. David Adelman stepped in as the interim head coach during this challenging phase, with many around the NBA doubting the team‘s prospects.

In the first round, Denver faced the dangerous Los Angeles Clippers, who were on an impressive winning streak, having captured eight consecutive games and nine of their last ten. Despite the odds, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets to clinch the series and advance.

Owner Josh Kroenke Raises Concerns Over Jokic’s Future and Injury Risks

The Nuggets went on to compete against the eventual NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, but were eliminated. Nevertheless, Jokic produced stellar performances throughout, including a remarkable Game 1 where he tallied 42 points and 22 rebounds in a close 121-119 victory. His presence remains essential to the team’s success, and it is difficult to picture the Nuggets considering trading such a pivotal player.

However, Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke warned of a troubling scenario that could force the franchise into exploring drastic options involving Jokic, highlighting risks around injuries and unforeseen circumstances.

If the wrong person gets injured and very quickly you’re into a scenario that I never want to have to contemplate, and that’s trading [Nikola Jokic],

Kroenke said.

So we’re very conscious of that pushing forward and providing the resources we can when the moment arrives.

—Josh Kroenke, Nuggets Owner

What Trade Possibility Warning Means for Jokic and the Team

At 30 years old, Jokic’s impressive résumé includes an NBA Championship, three Most Valuable Player awards, and five selections to the All-NBA First Team, marking him as one of the league’s top talents. This makes Kroenke’s comments on a possible trade all the more startling, as it signals contingency planning under difficult conditions rather than a desire to part ways with the star center.

The prospect of trading Jokic would deeply divide the Nuggets fanbase, given his crucial role in securing Denver’s 2023 title and the belief that the team’s championship window remains open while he performs at an elite level. Fans and analysts alike see Jokic as the cornerstone of the Nuggets’ future, and any move to trade him would garner significant backlash.

While the idea of trading Jokic is speculative, Kroenke’s cautionary message highlights the delicate balance teams must maintain between managing risk and preserving championship aspirations. His emphasis on preparing resources reflects the organization’s intent to protect its core, even if unforeseen events force difficult decisions down the line.