Nuggets Fire Head Coach Michael Malone, Decline to Extend GM Calvin Booth’s Contract
In a stunning move that has rocked the NBA landscape, the Denver Nuggets have parted ways with head coach Michael Malone and announced they will not be extending the contract of general manager Calvin Booth. The decision comes just days before the end of the regular season, with the Nuggets clinging to a playoff spot.
Assistant coach David Adelman will take over head coaching duties for the remainder of the season.
This unexpected shake-up follows a rough patch for Denver, who are 47-32 and have dropped four straight games. With star guard Jamal Murray sidelined due to a lingering hamstring injury and MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokic visibly frustrated, the timing of this decision raises more questions than answers.
Malone, who has been at the helm since 2015, led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023 and compiled a record of 471-327 over a decade. His tenure has been defined by player development, consistency, and deep playoff runs. Yet behind the scenes, friction between Malone and GM Calvin Booth appears to have played a major role in the front office’s dramatic call.
Sources describe a growing “cold war” between the two since the title win, reportedly over roster direction and the shift toward developing younger players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson. The departure of key veterans such as Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency added to the tension, and now, it seems, the divide became too deep to repair.
Booth, who took over GM duties after Tim Connelly’s exit, played a major role in constructing the 2023 championship roster. Despite his success, the organization has chosen not to offer him a new contract. Team owner Josh Kroenke praised both Malone and Booth in statements, acknowledging their foundational contributions to the franchise’s greatest era.
For Jokic, this marks the end of an era. Malone has been the only NBA head coach the three-time MVP has played under, and their bond was a cornerstone of the team’s identity.
Adelman, son of legendary coach Rick Adelman, now takes the reins. Having spent eight years alongside Malone, his promotion signals a measure of continuity, though the pressure is now immense. The Nuggets are in danger of falling into the play-in tournament, and the front office has made clear that championship expectations remain unchanged.
What’s Next for Denver?
With the postseason looming, all eyes will be on Jokic and the reshuffled coaching staff. Can this team rally under new leadership? Or will the turmoil derail what was once a promising season?
Stay tuned to GamblersDream.com for real-time updates, playoff insights, and expert picks.
FAQs
Why did the Denver Nuggets fire Coach Michael Malone?
The decision was rooted in internal tension and a string of disappointing performances. Reports suggest growing friction between Malone and GM Calvin Booth contributed to the decision.
Who will coach the Nuggets now?
Assistant coach David Adelman has been promoted to interim head coach for the rest of the season.
Why isn’t Calvin Booth returning as GM?
While Booth helped build the 2023 championship roster, the team has decided not to extend his contract, possibly due to differing visions for the team’s future.
How will this affect Nikola Jokic?
Jokic loses the only NBA coach he’s ever played for. While he remains a dominant force, how he adjusts to the leadership change could determine the Nuggets’ playoff fate.
Are the Nuggets still playoff contenders?
Yes, but they are currently in a slump. Their immediate future depends heavily on how quickly they adjust to the coaching changes and get healthy players back.
