League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Trades

Denver Nuggets face challenges attracting free agents despite recent success

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 7:44 PM

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

Denver Nuggets face challenges attracting free agents despite recent success

Summary

The Denver Nuggets have historically struggled to attract All-Star-level free agents, with Antonio McDyess touted as their best acquisition since 1999. Despite this, the franchise has succeeded in building a competitive roster through the draft, with players like Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. Recent free agency signings of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown suggest a growing appeal for players to join the team. Jokić's ability to enhance teammates' performance may further entice free agents, although concerns about the organization’s facilities remain. The Nuggets have been active this summer, trading for Cam Johnson and Jonas Valančiūnas, while also signing Bruce Brown and Hardaway Jr.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Nuggets have struggled to sign star free agents since McDyess.
•Recent signings include Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.
•Nikola Jokić's playstyle makes Denver more appealing to players.
•Concerns exist about the quality of the Nuggets' facilities.
•Nuggets traded for Cam Johnson and Jonas Valančiūnas.

Latest Updates

7:44 PMYahoo Sports — Are the Nuggets a Desirable Destination for Free Agents?

What they're saying

"
As a small-market team, the Denver Nuggets have historically struggled to attract All-Star-level talent through free agency. In fact, some rankings consider Antonio McDyess to be the franchise’s greatest free-agent acquisition of all time. Though McDyess was an All-Star and an All-NBA selection in Denver, the franchise’s inability to sign a more impactful free agent […] The post Are the Nuggets a Desirable Destination for Free Agents? appeared first on The Lead.
— Yahoo Sports

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Denver Nuggets NBA Basketball