The Denver Nuggets can't hold back if they get a chance to meet with LeBron James to pitch him their plans. Their best chance to land him is to give him everything but the kitchen sink, whatever that may be. And even then, the Nuggets should consider it. But the "everything" in this instance would be the Nuggets' promise not to cut salary, run into the second apron and pay whatever taxes and fines come, and bring the whole crew back from last year. No salary dump trades.
There's really no other logical way for the Nuggets to convince LeBron. He wants to win, and he left the Los Angeles Lakers to do it. There's no way he is going to come to the Nuggets and the Nuggets trade Cam Johnson and Christian Braun to dump salary. There would be no point. That wouldn't make the Nuggets better in any capacity, and that means LeBron would have a lower chance to win.
The Nuggets probably get their money back via jersey sales and a title
The Nuggets will be well over the second apron threshold and will be facing a mountain of luxury taxes to bring back Peyton Watson in free agency without making a trade to get back under the second apron. But by adding LeBron to the roster, the Nuggets will be creating a new jersey market. How many millions in sales will they add to help recuperate all that fine money? Tons.
And then, if the Nuggets go on to win a championship with LeBron, how much more money will that generate for the franchise in merchandise? How much joy will that bring to the people of Denver and Colorado who root for the Nuggets? There are so many positives to having LeBron on the Nuggets that the media circus that follows him around would be worth it. The extra fines of the second apron would be worth it. And the Kroenkes, the Nuggets owners, can certainly afford them.
The Nuggets need to put all their chips on the table
Everything needs to be available for the Nuggets to add LeBron. This is their chance to add the best basketball player of a generation to play with the best basketball player of the following generation.
Nikola Jokic and LeBron on the same floor playing together would be magical. The Nuggets would be the most-watched team on NBA League Pass this year by a mile. They'd instantly get that boost they need to be back in the true-contender race.
The Nuggets have already made a nice addition in the free agency market to shore up some backup center and forward minutes with Marvin Bagley III's addition. Adding LeBron would be the biggest boost to their title chances they'll have this year. By far.
Offer LeBron everything, even the kitchen sink if you have to. The Nuggets' 2026-27 title hopes could depend on it.
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