NBA Rumors: Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Rockets, Kevin Durant, Lakers

Nuggets

One thing we know about the Nuggets? Nikola Jokic will be back. Apparently, so will coach David Adelman.

Other than that, it appears to be one big mystery. Everything else could be up for grabs. 

“After a first-round elimination, the only certainty with the Nuggets’ roster is that three-time MVP Nikola Jokic will be on it,” wrote ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. “Denver is in the difficult position of needing to upgrade the roster to contend with San Antonio and Oklahoma City, but with little paths with which to do so, having already traded multiple future first-round picks, including a pair owed to the Thunder.”

Nevertheless, ESPN placed the Nuggets at No. 6 in its way-too-early NBA power rankings. But again, decisions loom.

“If Denver re-signs restricted free agent Peyton Watson, the anticipation is that either Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun will be traded to lighten their luxury tax bill,” MacMahon wrote.

Rockets

Year One with Kevin Durant ended without Kevin Durant. 

In a rare occurrence, Durant missed the most important time of the season with injuries. The result was the Rockets putting up a fight, but ultimately being dispatched by the Lakers in the first round of the West playoffs.

But again, there may be reasons to believe.

“Young guards Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard gained valuable experience last season after being thrust into larger roles, and veteran point guard Fred VanVleet will be back from his torn ACL to set the table for a Rockets team that struggled closing games,” ESPN’s Michael C. Wright wrote in the outlet’s early power rankings.

But wait. There’s more.

“Throw in the fact that center Steven Adams should be healthy to ramp up Houston’s rebounding and, most importantly, its second-chance scoring, and the Rockets’ window for real contention hasn’t closed at all,” Wright wrote.

So yeah, maybe Year Two of Durant will go better.

“It’s easy to argue that it could be open even wider now, with future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant fully acclimated to his new teammates,” Wright concluded.

Lakers

The Lakers may be facing the most uncertainty entering free agency of any team in the NBA. And it all starts with LeBron James.

But there are also others. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, oh my.

Still, ESPN has them at No. 9 in its way-too-early power rankings for next season.

“The Lakers have won just one playoff game with Luka Doncic since they traded for him a season and a half ago,” wrote ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “With some semblance of luck and continued dedication to his body, the hope is that Doncic will be available when it counts after missing the entire 2026 postseason with a hamstring injury.”

So, yes, on the bright side, at least Doncic will be back. Still, it’s way too soon to know what will become of the rest of the roster.

“(Doncic’s) healthy presence alone gives L.A. a chance at more success next season, but it’s too early to tell just how good the Lakers can be until the contracts of LeBron James and Austin Reaves are figured out — and how the rest of the roster can be filled out to complement Doncic’s tremendous talents,” McMenamin concluded.

RELATED | NBA free agents by team