Grading the Aaron Gordon contract extension for the Nuggets

The Nuggets put one of their biggest worries to bed on Monday night by signing Aaron Gordon to a four-year extension. The team took care of Jamal Murray earlier in the offseason, leaving Gordon as the only potential flight risk.

Gordon was set to enter the final year of his deal, with a $22.3 million contract for this season and a player option looming next offseason for the same amount. Gordon seemed likely to decline that option and was a risk to hit free agency, but the Nuggets avoided that risk by reaching this long-term deal.

The best part of the deal from Denver’s perspective is that Gordon actually agreed to opt into his deal for next season, then tack on three additional years at his max value. That will save the Nuggets over $10 million in salary for next season and almost $60 million in luxury tax payments. It also gives them a real chance at staying under the much-dreaded second apron next season.

Gordon’s new deal is a great bargain for the Nuggets

This is a massive boon for the Nuggets and should make team-building easier for years to come. Beyond the financial flexibility this deal opens up and the cap space it clears, it’s just a good move for the Nuggets to lock up one of their core players for years to come.

The Nuggets now have their core four of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr.,  and Gordon locked up for at least the next three seasons. The team is in tact and there should be no unnecessary distractions or negotiations. 

The players are locked in long-term and should be able to focus strictly on basketball going forward without worrying about their futures. Gordon is still just 29 years old and smack dab in the middle of his prime. 

The team has streamlined their timeline now as their top four players are all between 26 and 29 years old. With the up-and-coming young players and the recent veteran additions, the Nuggets have built a very solid foundation that should be able to stay together and compete for championships for years to come.

Grading the deal

This is a win for Gordon as he has solidified his future, but it’s an even bigger win for the Nuggets. Beyond the financial flexibility, the team has created an opportunity for continuity that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern NBA. The Nuggets are set up to go on an exciting run over the next few years and this deal is a big reason why.

Grade: A