ESPN Insider Recommends Nuggets Sign Celtics’ Champion in Free Agency |

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) smiles after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center.

The Denver Nuggets are coming off a rather puzzling season. Just before the end of the regular season, the Nuggets shocked many when they announced that they were firing head coach Michael Malone, despite being in play for a top-4 seed in the Western Conference. General Manager Calvin Booth was also fired.

The Nuggets went into the NBA Playoffs with interim head coach David Adelman at the helm. Some didn't believe the Nuggets would perform well after that sort of turmoil at the head coaching position, but they performed admirably. They defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 4-3 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Nov 22, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball under pressure from Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy (1) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

ESPN insider recommends Nuggets sign Celtics' champion in free agency

They advanced to take on the eventual champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder. While they would ultimately fall in the series, Nikola Jokic came very close to willing his team to the next round, as they took the Thunder the full seven games.

Denver's lack of depth was already an issue, but it became increasingly evident as the playoffs progressed. As a result, ESPN's Bobby Marks predicted that the Nuggets will look to add depth to the center position by signing this former NBA Champion.

"Though the Nuggets will get a boost with last year's first-round pick, Holmes, returning after an Achilles injury, there is still a priority to find a backup center to Jokic. The Nuggets should use the tax midlevel to sign Luke Kornet to a two-year, $11.7 million contract."

"The free agent big man averaged 6.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in only 18 minutes per game last season for Boston. The Celtics were plus-14.3 points per 100 possessions when he was on the court."

Mar 23, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) reacts during the second half against to being called for a foule during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Due to the injuries to Kristaps Porzingis, Kornet was forced into action. In Game 5 of the Celtics' second-round playoff series, Kornet scored 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting and an astounding seven blocks in 26 minutes.

The Nuggets will surely look to bolster their roster in free agency and through trades. While Jokic, a three-time MVP award winner, can put a team on his back, it physically takes a toll on him. Having a center that can come in and protect the rim would be a luxury for this Nuggets team.

Zachary Rainey

Send me a news tip

Aaron Moody is a sports and general reporter for the News & Observer. Here is a second sentence for the bio because it will probably be longer than this. Maybe even longer I don't know. Support my work with a digital subscription

This story was originally published June 30, 2025 at 5:41 PM