The Nuggets didn’t make a selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, but immediately started adding players to their Summer League squad from the large pool of undrafted free agents. They scored a huge win last year, signing Trey Alexander after the draft, who went on to earn a two-way contract and win the G-League Rookie of the Year Award last season.
He was one of the very few bright spots for the Nuggets in terms of development, finding young talent, and actually winning on the margins. But on Friday, the team inexplicably waived Alexander, deciding to give his contract to somebody else.
Alexander was outstanding for the Grand Rapids Gold last season, averaging 26.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting over 46% from the field, over 40% from three, and over 80% from the line. Beyond winning Rookie of the Year, he also earned a spot on the Third-Team All-G-League.
And yet, for whatever reason, apparently that wasn’t good enough to earn Alexander another season with the Nuggets’ organization. Vinny Bennedetto of the Denver Post reported on Friday that the Nuggets were moving on, and then a Twitter user, @nuggetscountry_, posted a screenshot asking Alexander if he’s coming back to Denver, to which Trey replied, “They choose sumbody over me”.
Another head-scratching move by Nuggets
This is yet another move that just makes no sense. Alexander did everything and more to earn his way last season and was one of the best stories on the team. With Russell Westbrook opting out of his contract, the Nuggets have a massive need for help in the backcourt, especially guys who can handle the ball and score.
Alexander can do that in spades, and deserved a chance in training camp to earn real minutes. Based on what we saw last season, Trey should have been able to battle the likes of Jalen Pickett and Julian Strawther for minutes.
At worst, he could have likely been a sparkplug scorer off the bench who could come in in bursts and change the game with his offense. But the Nuggets said goodbye to all of that potential, and for what? To sign another undrafted free agent out of Missouri to take his two-way spot.
There’s no telling what’s going on behind the scenes and with the inner workings of the Nuggets’ new front office. But on the surface, getting rid of your biggest success story after just one season when it appears you may have found a diamond in the rough makes absolutely no sense.
Ultimately, it may never matter, and G-League success isn’t always an indicator for the NBA. But for a team that desperately needs cheap depth and young talent, moving on from Alexander is a truly baffling move.