Former NBA All-Star claims Nuggets must spend money to add depth around Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets saw their season come to an end on Sunday as they suffered a 125-93 blowout loss in Game 7 of their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. While Nikola Jokic has not shown any signs of frustration with the front office, many believe that it is pivotal that they retool the roster around him to return to contention in 2025-26.

Former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins appeared on the "Run It Back" podcast on Tuesday, where he claimed that the Nuggets need to put real talent around the three-time league MVP.

"Their owner needs to spend some money," Four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins stated Tuesday. "You got to spend to win, that's obvious. And I think they have to get a bench. I think they have to move their focus (off of) making sure Jokic puts up these crazy numbers and leads all statistical categories. We understand, Jokic is great. We get it now. Now, let's put some real talent around the guy. Let's put a bench around the guy. Let's put a real supporting cast around him. Outside of the starting five, they don't really get much. I think (Russell Westbrook) did an incredible job this year with being that spark off the bench, but I think they need more bench support. I think that should be their main goal going into this offseason."

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The Nuggets are stuck in a tough situation due to the league's collective bargaining agreement. They already have around $200 million committed to next year's roster, which puts them well into the luxury tax and over the first apron. Furthermore, they are dangerously close to exceeding the second apron.

It is likely that the only avenue to improving their roster will be the veteran minimum. While Denver has one of the best players in the league, it is unclear if they will be able to convince veteran free agents to take the minimum to join him as they have struggled to contend since winning a title in 2022-23.

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