NUGGETS BOMBSHELL: Josh Kroenke THREATENS to Trade Nikola Jokić in SHOCKING Statement That Has Denver PANICKING!
Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke made headlines this week with controversial comments suggesting the franchise could be forced to trade three-time MVP Nikola Jokić under certain circumstances.
Speaking at a press conference introducing new front office executives Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, Kroenke addressed the team's approach to the NBA's second apron - a financial threshold that imposes restrictions on high-spending teams.
"Going into that second apron is not something that we're scared of," Kroenke initially stated. However, he quickly added a concerning caveat that sent shockwaves through the fanbase.
"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 No. 15," Kroenke said, referring to Jokić's jersey number.
The comments came as the Nuggets navigate a challenging offseason following their second-round playoff exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Denver finished the regular season 50-32 but lost the series 4-3 after a hard-fought seven games.
The franchise has been conservative with spending since winning the 2023 championship, notably allowing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to leave in free agency last summer to avoid luxury tax penalties.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets have been active in adding young talent, signing undrafted free agents Tamar Bates from Missouri to a two-way contract and Curtis Jones from Iowa State to an Exhibit 10 deal. They also signed former Warriors guard Reece Beekman to an Exhibit 10 contract.
However, the team made the surprising decision to waive G-League Rookie of the Year Trey Alexander, who averaged 26.1 points for the Grand Rapids Gold last season.
Denver's Summer League roster will begin play July 10th against Milwaukee, with games scheduled through July 17th