Despite having immense expectations heading into the 2025-26 season, the Denver Nuggets fell very short with a first-round playoff exit. To make matters worse, they are stuck in a tough financial spot moving forward. Of course, it feels like the Nuggets need to make changes after failing to reach the Western Conference Finals for the third consecutive season, but where do they go from here? Not only are they paying Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray a combined $109.1 million next season, but they will also owe Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson a pretty penny. Braun, especially, will be very pleased with his contract over the next half-decade. Last summer, the Nuggets and Braun agreed to a huge five-year, $125 million contract extension, which is set to kick in next season. The Nuggets, on the other hand, are likely regretting that decision. A poor decision in hindsight Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center.…