Jamal Murray is a core part of the Denver Nuggets roster. He helped them safe the 2023 NBA championship and has proved himself to be the second-best participant on Mike Malone’s staff. Nevertheless, Murray’s harm historical past is a reputable concern. Simply final season, he missed 23 video games and is just three years faraway from an ACL harm.
Nonetheless, the Nuggets have gambled on Murray’s upside as they appear to contend for one more championship within the coming years. In accordance with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Denver has signed Murray to a four-year, $208 million contract extension — the utmost quantity he may signal for.
“The deal — which retains Murray out of free company subsequent summer time — ties one of many franchise cornerstones to the Nuggets for a complete of 5 seasons and $244 million,” Wojnarowski reported. “Murray will earn $36 million this coming season earlier than a bump to $46.4 million in 2025-26. He’ll make $50.1 million in 2026-27, $53.8 million in 2027-28 and $57.5 million within the closing yr of the deal, in accordance with ESPN’s Bobby Marks.”
By giving Murray the utmost sum of money attainable, Denver is standing behind its star guard and displaying it trusts he can stay wholesome sufficient to steer the staff to a different championship. Final season, Murray averaged 21.2 factors, 4.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists whereas capturing 48.1% from the sphere and 42.5% from three-point vary. You possibly can’t argue with that kind of manufacturing out of your second choice, particularly when enjoying subsequent to a nexus-event-level expertise like Nikola Jokic.
Nonetheless, Murray’s harm historical past is a good concern. If he is unable to persistently stay on the court docket, the Nuggets shall be restricted of their probabilities of success. With out Murray within the rotation, groups can load up on Jokic whereas limiting Aaron Gordon’s effectiveness as an off-ball weapon.
Nonetheless, the Nuggets are proper to pay Murray. Not solely are they paying him for what he brings to the roster and what they may obtain with him sooner or later, however they’re additionally paying him for what he is performed up to now. Murray is among the higher guards within the league. He is a great match subsequent to Jokic. And he is one of many higher second choices within the NBA.
If Murray may help lead Denver to a second championship, his new contract will appear like a discount.