The Denver Nuggets have emerged as one of the early standouts of the 2025 NBA free-agency period, reshaping their roster around two-time MVP Nikola Jokić to address depth, shooting and defense. Management swapped forward Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for sharpshooter-defender Cameron Johnson, then sent reserve Dario Šarić to New Orleans for veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas. The club also reunited with swingman Bruce Brown Jr. on a minimum deal and added wing scorer Tim Hardaway Jr., moves that collectively strengthen Denver’s second unit and front-court rotation. Sportsbooks have responded swiftly. BetMGM cut the Nuggets’ 2026 championship odds to +600 from +1600 in two days, making Denver the second choice on its board. Trading manager Hal Egeland said the team is now BetMGM’s most-bet club since free agency opened, adding, “Every move they’ve made has been smart.” Other operators reported similar momentum, with local media noting a “significant leap” in futures pricing. The odds movement positions Denver just behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in early title markets and ahead of conference rivals such as Houston and Minnesota. While additional free-agency dominoes remain, bookmakers and analysts view the Nuggets’ offseason as one of the league’s most decisive, restoring the depth that helped deliver the franchise’s 2023 title.
NBA free agency, offseason winners and losers It was a good offseason for the Rockets and Nuggets. https://t.co/KaooPWUlrp
NBA free agency is underway, and while we've seen some roster shakeups, including the Bucks' stunning release of Damian Lillard. It's still the Thunder who top the NBA Championship odds board as they look to repeat. @CoversJLo breaks down the odds ⤵️ https://t.co/fmtHVFYMA0
The Oklahoma City Thunder may have just won the championship, but that doesn't mean the next NBA season isn't in full force with free agency and the draft. Here’s a breakdown of the best and worst moves so far. https://t.co/27uUUoj0v3