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Nuggets Owner Warns Tax Apron Risks Could Force Jokic Trade

Josh Kroenke warned that surpassing the NBA’s $207.8 million apron could leave the Nuggets with no choice but to explore trading their three-time MVP if key injuries occur

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets runs down the floor during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Team president Josh Kroenke of the Denver Nuggets speaks to members of the media to announce the hiring of David Adelman as the team’s new head coach and their vision moving forward at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Overview

  • Kroenke issued a hypothetical warning that exceeding the second tax apron combined with serious injuries could push the Nuggets to consider trading Nikola Jokic
  • Denver is projected to carry roughly $220 million in salary commitments next season, placing it above the NBA’s $207.8 million second-apron threshold
  • Crossing the apron would impose strict roster limits, steep luxury-tax penalties and curtail the Nuggets’ ability to use full midlevel exceptions or make matched trades
  • Injury histories of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. amplify Kroenke’s caution about operating under tighter financial and roster restrictions
  • Kroenke confirmed the organization plans to offer Jokic a contract extension this offseason with the timing shaped by salary-cap projections