Team Canada’s Olympic failings culminated in the country leaving France with no medals. The future for Canada remains bright, but there are issues, such as Denver Nuggets standout Jamal Murray.
His 2024 playoff success carried over to basketball’s biggest global platform. Murray averaged 6.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 turnovers a game in France while shooting 29% from the field and 14% from three. He looked like a shell of the player he was in the 2023 playoffs.
Murray suffered a calf injury during the close of the 2023-24 season, which could explain why he looked unlike himself at the Olympics. The timing is unfortunate for the 27-year-old, who is eligible to sign an extension. Now that Canada’s run is over, Murray and the Nuggets are expected to begin extension talks.
Current price:Shams Charania of The Athletic reported at the end of June that Murray is poised to sign a four-year, $209 million deal. If this occurs, the Nuggets will lose all financial flexibility as a second tax apron team. Denver’s front management has every right to be hesitant.
How Nuggets handle Jamal Murray situation will decide their future
Murray’s Olympic performance did not go well, but that does not define him as a player. When he plays his best, the Nuggets are unstoppable. Nikola Jokic will always remain Nikola Jokic. What matters most is Murray’s on-court persona.
Denver is unlikely to reprimand Murray harshly following his recent performance. If he hadn’t been injured during the playoffs, would the Nuggets have advanced beyond the Timberwolves? Would Denver have staged its second championship parade in as many years?
None of this means Murray’s injury history isn’t troubling. If he signs an extension and gets hurt, the Nuggets’ contender position will suffer significantly. Does this imply that Denver should contemplate a trade? No. Giving up on Murray now is not the greatest option. He is a “young” veteran who is only one year removed from a successful title run.
Make no mistake, however. How the Nuggets handle the guard’s extension will determine their future. Denver is already squeezed by the collective bargaining agreement, which will become even more so if (or when) Murray signs an extension.
