The Denver Nuggets have had a fantastic offseason, especially after Jonas Valanciunas confirmed he'd suit up for the team next season. There is still a void that Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace need to fill, and there are still a few options left out there.
Russell Westbrook declined his player option for the 2025-26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent (he's still on the market and could be a target for the Suns). He was Denver's primary backup point guard this past season, meaning now, the Nuggets are without a true backup for Jamal Murray. They signed Bruce Brown to a one-year deal, but Denver needs another playmaker.
If something were to happen to Murray, what would the Nuggets do? That isn't a scenario we want to speak into existence, but it's something Denver needs to be prepared for. It's the front office's job to expect the unexpected, putting the team in the best possible position to win another title with Nikola Jokić.
Nuggets still need to sign a true backup point guard
Jalen Pickett will see some minutes as the backup point guard (how many minutes is still to be determined), but relying solely on Brown and Pickett isn't a scenario that a contender wants to be in. Adding a veteran point guard, preferably one with playoff experience, would be the perfect addition to the transformed roster.
Denver's new regime ensured that a lack of depth won't be the team's Achilles heel again next season, but not having a reliable backup behind Murray could be enough to throw the Nuggets off course. There are players they could add on a veteran's minimum deal, such as Monte Morris (reunion time?) and Cam Payne.
Westbrook's time in Denver was brief, but impactful, whether that be positive or negative. Regardless of how some fans may feel about him, his energy and playmaking off the bench will be missed. It's not easy to replicate the kind of player Westbrook is, which is what makes him so unique.
Now that the Valanciunas saga is over, the Nuggets' sole focus should be on bringing in another point guard. Tenzer and Wallace have proven that they can deliver, alleviating the concerns for the future that the past general manager created.
The question is, who will it be?