Jamal Murray makes Team Canada debut amidst rumors about new contract extension

Team USA squared off against Team Canada in Las Vegas on Wednesday night in one of the most anticipated exhibition games in recent international basketball history. The Canadians jumped out to an early 11-1 lead, but the US battled back to hold a 41-33 lead at the half and pulled away to win 86-72.

It was incredible to watch the exhibition, but the most notable element for Nuggets fans was that Jamal Murray was in action, starting in the backcourt. He played 18 minutes in his first action since the NBA playoffs but scored just 5 points on 2-8 shooting and had zero assists.

Jamal Murray back in action for Team Canada

Despite the off night, it was good to see that Murray appeared healthy after a tough end to his playoffs against the Timberwolves. Some fans were concerned that with all of Murray’s health issues and the way the season ended, he should have taken the summer off to focus on getting ready for the 2024-25 NBA season.

Further complicating matters is Murray’s contract situation. As of now, he’s set to enter the final year of his deal, an expiring contract. There were reports that came out on draft night that Murray and the Nuggets were in talks about a new max contract extension for four years and $209 million.

What's going on with Murray's contract extension?

But that was two weeks ago and there has been no movement on a new deal. In fact, reports have come out that there is some disagreement as the Nuggets haven’t offered a fully guaranteed max deal and Murray and his camp want nothing less. Now, Murray is with Team Canada and will be heading overseas for more exhibition games, then the Olympics.

He may not be back to the negotiating table until mid-August. Perhaps the two sides will sew things up and reach a new deal next month. But the longer this thing lingers, the more of a distraction it could become. And if Murray enters next season without a new deal then things could get ugly.

For now, Nuggets fans can focus on watching Murray play for his national team. Hopefully, he stays healthy, plays well, and comes into next season in a great rhythm, ready to bounce back and help Denver get back to the mountaintop.