Denver Nuggets Part Ways with Michael Malone

In a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Denver Nuggets announced on April 8, 2025, that they had relieved head coach Michael Malone of his duties. The decision, which came just days after the team’s first-round playoff exit to the Los Angeles Lakers, marked a stunning turn for a franchise that had celebrated its first NBA championship under Malone just two years prior. The Nuggets also confirmed that general manager Calvin Booth’s contract would not be extended, signaling a potential overhaul of the team’s leadership structure.

A Championship Legacy Cut Short

Michael Malone’s tenure with the Denver Nuggets spanned nine seasons, during which he compiled a 453-353 regular-season record and led the team to six consecutive playoff appearances. His crowning achievement came in 2023 when the Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, captured the franchise’s first NBA title. That victory solidified Malone’s reputation as a tactical innovator and a coach capable of maximizing star talent.

Yet, the Nuggets’ abrupt dismissal of Malone underscores the unforgiving nature of professional sports, where even recent success can be overshadowed by unmet expectations. This season, Denver entered the playoffs as the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed but fell in six games to the Lakers, a team they were widely expected to dominate. The loss extended a troubling trend: since their championship run, the Nuggets had failed to advance past the second round, raising questions about Malone’s ability to adapt to evolving league dynamics.

Why Now? The Front Office’s Calculus

The decision to part ways with Malone appears rooted in a combination of playoff underperformance and internal tensions. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nuggets’ front office had grown frustrated with the team’s lack of defensive intensity and inconsistent effort during critical moments. While Jokić remained a transcendent force, the supporting cast—particularly on defense—struggled to match the urgency of playoff basketball.

Compounding matters was the looming uncertainty in the front office. Calvin Booth, who had served as general manager since 2022, saw his contract expire without an extension. Booth’s partnership with Malone had been central to Denver’s rise, but the duo’s inability to secure another deep playoff run reportedly led ownership to seek a fresh direction. Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke emphasized the need for “new leadership to guide this team toward sustained success,” hinting at a broader philosophical shift.

A Stunner in the NBA Landscape

The firing stunned league insiders, many of whom viewed Malone as one of the NBA’s most accomplished coaches. “This is a seismic move,” said one Western Conference executive, speaking anonymously to ESPN. “Malone just won a championship, developed stars, and kept that team competitive. You don’t see coaches with his résumé get fired often.”

Indeed, Malone’s dismissal defies conventional logic. Only three other coaches in NBA history have been fired within two years of winning a title: Billy Cunningham (1983 Philadelphia 76ers), Pat Riley (1988 Los Angeles Lakers), and Tyronn Lue (2023 Cleveland Cavaliers). All three, however, left under vastly different circumstances, with Riley and Lue departing due to internal conflicts rather than on-court performance.

The Nuggets’ decision also reflects the heightened pressure on modern coaches to deliver immediate results. In an era of player empowerment and superteams, even a single early playoff exit can trigger dramatic changes. For Denver, the calculus may have been pragmatic: with Jokić in his prime and a roster built to win now, ownership likely felt Malone’s style had run its course.

The Calvin Booth Factor

The Nuggets’ announcement that Calvin Booth would not receive a contract extension added another layer of intrigue. Booth, who joined the organization in 2019, played a pivotal role in constructing the championship roster. His ability to draft and develop role players like Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon complemented Jokić’s brilliance, creating a cohesive unit.

Yet, Booth’s reluctance to make splashy trades or free-agent signings in recent years drew criticism. Some analysts argued that the Nuggets’ lack of defensive upgrades—a persistent weakness—stemmed from Booth’s conservative approach. Without a clear successor in place, the Nuggets’ search for a new GM could prolong their offseason uncertainty.

What’s Next for Denver?

The Nuggets now face a pivotal offseason. Their next head coach will inherit a roster anchored by Jokić, a generational talent who has openly praised Malone’s leadership. Maintaining locker-room chemistry while implementing a new system will be critical. Potential candidates could include rising assistants like Milwaukee’s Charles Lee or Miami’s Carlesimo, though the Nuggets may prioritize experienced hires like Mike Budenholzer or Rick Carlisle.

Equally pressing is the GM vacancy. The Nuggets need a leader capable of balancing immediate contention with long-term flexibility. Names like former Toronto Raptors executive Bobby Webster or Oklahoma City Thunder assistant GM Will Dawkins have surfaced in early speculation.

A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Nuggets’ decision to part ways with Malone and Booth represents both a bold gamble and a sobering acknowledgment: in the NBA, past glory guarantees nothing. While the move risks alienating a fanbase that revered Malone, it also underscores Kroenke’s willingness to prioritize progress over nostalgia.

As Denver begins its search for new leadership, the league will watch closely. Can the Nuggets replicate their championship formula under different stewardship? Or will this decision mark the end of an era, leaving Jokić and company to recalibrate in an increasingly competitive Western Conference? One thing is certain: the Nuggets’ next chapter will define their place in NBA history—and the stakes could hardly be higher.