3 most overpaid Nuggets players on next season's roster

1. Michael Porter Jr. - 5 years, $179.3 million (3 years remaining)

While Porter Jr. is a very important part of the team, and a much better player than guys like Nnaji or Saric, it has become undeniable that his contract is a disaster. He’s a good player, but he’s a role player. The Nuggets signed him to a max rookie extension, hoping he’d develop into a star and that just hasn’t happened.

He’s a very good shooter and fits very well with the current squad, but should be making closer to half of his current salary. He hasn’t developed as a playmaker or a guy who attacks the basket and sets up his teammates consistently. And his defense still leaves much to be desired.

And yet, he’s making almost the exact same amount as Jamal Murray and more than anyone else on the roster other than Jokic. That’s a tough pill to swallow when trying to build a championship team.

MPJ’s deal sticks out on the books like a sore thumb and it has many speculating and/or wish casting a trade for multiple players to diversify the roster and add depth. But unfortunately, it takes two to tango and it’s hard to imagine other teams wanting to take on Porter Jr. and the rest of his deal - which will pay him over $40 million in 2026-27.

At the end of the day, Porter Jr. is still a fine player and he’s defied many of his injury concerns. There are much worse contracts in the league and this isn’t exactly a killer. But it’s pretty close and it has hampered the Nuggets and their ability to maximize the team around Jokic.