Aaron Gordon says everything Nuggets fans wanted to hear about potential extension

Denver Nuggets fans have watched several key players leave the team in recent summers. Bruce Brown left for more money in Indiana, and Jeff Green signed with Houston in 2023, but the most significant blow came this past offseason. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed a three-year deal with Orlando.

A few weeks ago, Jamal Murray signed a four-year maximum contract extension, and there's still another Nugget who could sign a new deal before the season starts. On Sept. 27, Aaron Gordon will be eligible to sign a four-year extension worth $149 million.

The 2021 Gordon trade will go down in Nuggets history. He quickly embraced the city and meshed perfectly with his new teammates, especially Nikola Jokic. Gordon was a key part of Denver winning its first NBA title. Fans don't want to see Mr. Nugget leave in free agency next summer, as he has a 2025-26 player option he could decline to become an unrestricted free agent.

At Thursday's Media Day, Gordon was asked about a potential extension. His answer is exactly what fans wanted to hear.

Aaron Gordon wants to get Denver Nuggets extension done

It's reassuring to hear how much Gordon loves playing in Denver, but even better to hear that he feels things are progressing in the right direction.

The front office should want to retain Gordon. He turned 29 earlier this month, and it's a little risky to commit to Gordon for four more years (through year 34), but it's the right move. It'll be hard to find an AG replacement if he leaves. You can't replicate the chemistry he immediately formed with Denver's core players.

Gordon does have weaknesses, like his floor spacing. He shot 29% from three last season after shooting 34.7% in 2022-23. The Nuggets can't expect Gordon to fill the three-point void KCP left behind, but it would be nice if he shot in the mid-30s again this season.

If an extension doesn't get done ASAP on Friday, it won't mean one won't happen. However, if what AG said is any indication of what's to come, fans could see an extension happen sooner rather than later.

Denver doesn't need another cloud hanging over the organization with reporters constantly asking about Gordon's future. It's their job to do that, but it'd be nice if the Nuggets could avoid those distractions entirely and lock AG down.