Denver Nuggets Players Salary: Nikola Jokić’s $51M Dominates NBA Champion Roster

Denver operates with approximately $185 million in payroll defending their 2023 NBA championship. Nikola Jokić leads the roster at $51.4 million annually as the three-time MVP anchors Denver’s title window.

Jamal Murray ($36M), Michael Porter Jr. ($35.9M), and Aaron Gordon ($22M) complete the core four. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope departed creating roster hole while Christian Braun ($4.7M) and Peyton Watson ($3.5M) provide cost-controlled depth.

Learn more about the Denver Nuggets players biography and net worth by clicking on their name.

Denver Nuggets Top 10 Highest-Paid Players

Jokić earns $51.4 million through his five-year, $264 million supermax extension signed in July 2022. The Serbian center’s unprecedented passing, scoring, and rebounding justify maximum contract as arguably NBA’s best player.

Murray makes $36 million through his four-year, $208 million max extension signed in September 2024.

His playoff heroics including 2023 Finals performance validated Denver’s investment. Porter Jr. collected $35.9 million through his five-year, $179 million extension providing elite shooting when healthy.

Gordon earned $22.5 million through his four-year, $92 million extension offering defensive versatility and athletic finishing. His below-max deal represents excellent value for two-way forward production.

Nikola Jokić Net Worth and Career Earnings Breakdown

Jokić accumulated $238 million building a $148 million net worth by age 29. His Nike endorsement and Serbian businesses add modest income compared to American superstars.

Jokić prioritizes horse racing investments over traditional celebrity endorsements reflecting unique personality.

Murray earned $158 million creating a $98 million net worth entirely with Denver. His Canadian nationality limits U.S. endorsement opportunities though Adidas partnership provides supplemental income.

Porter Jr. collected $118 million building a $72 million fortune battling injury concerns throughout career.

Gordon earned $148 million building a $92 million net worth across Orlando and Denver. Westbrook accumulated $338 million creating a $215 million fortune as nine-time All-Star accepting veteran minimum role chasing championship. Nnaji collected $22 million building a $13 million net worth.

Michael Porter Jr.’s Health Gamble Paying Off

Porter Jr. earns $35.9 million through his five-year, $179 million extension signed in September 2021. His back injury history created risk but Denver bet on elite shooting potential. When healthy, his scoring and rebounding justify near-max contract.

His availability concerns persist limiting games played but his floor spacing remains critical to Denver’s offense. Porter’s contract represents calculated gamble on transcendent shooting talent. His health directly impacts Denver’s championship odds each season.

The extension locked Porter through prime years at below-supermax rates. Denver accepted injury risk for potential All-Star wing production creating championship roster construction advantage when available.

Nuggets Position Spending Shows Big Four Investment

Denver allocated $146 million to Jokić, Murray, Porter, and Gordon—79% of total payroll. This star concentration requires veteran minimum signings and rookie-scale contracts filling remaining roster spots.

Centers consumed $51 million with Jokić as sole major investment creating salary efficiency. Guards cost $43 million with Murray and Westbrook. Forwards totaled $67 million with Porter ($35.9M) and Gordon ($22.5M) leading spending.

Nuggets Best Value Contracts Providing Championship Depth

Christian Braun earns just $4.7 million through his rookie-scale extension as 2022 first-round pick. His energy and three-point shooting provide starter-quality production at controlled cost. Braun replaced Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s $22M saving significant salary.

Peyton Watson makes $3.5 million offering athletic wing defense as 2022 first-round pick. His development provides defensive versatility Denver needs. Julian Strawther collected $2.7 million as 2023 second-round pick showing shooting potential.

Russell Westbrook earned veteran minimum $3.3 million accepting reduced role for championship pursuit. His sacrifice allowed Denver to maintain core four while adding proven playoff veteran. Westbrook’s leadership and playmaking supplement Murray’s injury absences.

How Denver Maintains Championship Core

The Nuggets extended their core early avoiding expensive restricted free agency. Jokić, Murray, Porter, and Gordon locked through 2026-2028 providing championship window stability. Denver’s front office expertise maximized value timing extensions before market inflation.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s departure to Orlando created defensive void but saved $22 million. Denver accepted downgrade replacing him with Braun’s $4.7M contract maintaining financial flexibility. The Nuggets consistently sacrifice depth for star retention in small-market reality.

Calvin Booth’s general manager philosophy prioritizes internal development over expensive free agents. Denver drafts well identifying Braun, Watson, and Strawther as low-cost contributors. This strategy sustains competitiveness without luxury tax burden.

FAQs

Who is Denver Nuggets’ highest-paid player?

Nikola Jokić earns $51.4 million through his five-year, $264 million supermax extension signed in July 2022 running through 2028 as three-time MVP.

How much do Jokić and Murray make combined?

Jokić and Murray earn combined $87.4 million annually representing 47% of Denver’s total payroll as championship backcourt tandem through 2028.

What is Michael Porter Jr.’s contract worth?

Porter Jr. makes $35.9 million through his five-year, $179 million extension providing elite shooting when healthy despite ongoing injury concerns.

Does Russell Westbrook make veteran minimum?

Westbrook earns $3.3 million on veteran minimum contract accepting reduced role for championship opportunity after earning $338 million career total.