The Nuggets Fixed Nearly Everything in 2025 NBA Free Agency — But One Crucial Roster Flaw Still Needs Addressing Fast

The Denver Nuggets entered the 2025 NBA offseason with a crystal-clear objective: reinforce the roster without sacrificing the championship core. Coming off a season that ended earlier than expected, Denver’s front office acted decisively in free agency. They plugged gaps, added depth, and re-signed key contributors. Still, amid all the smart moves and calculated gambles, one glaring weakness remains — and unless it’s addressed soon, it could cost them another title run.

The Nuggets did plenty right. After losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic on a lucrative three-year deal, Denver pivoted quickly, signing veteran wing Gary Trent Jr. to a two-year, $28 million contract. Trent brings a solid blend of perimeter shooting and defense, something Caldwell-Pope excelled at. At just 26, Trent’s age fits well within Denver’s competitive window, giving them a younger and slightly more dynamic weapon on the perimeter.

They also re-signed Reggie Jackson on a veteran minimum and brought in Alec Burks to provide instant offense off the bench. Even more significantly, they retained Justin Holiday and added JaMychal Green, bringing back two players who know the system and can contribute in spot roles. Young forward Peyton Watson, who showed flashes of promise during the past season, is expected to take a leap and possibly fill Bruce Brown’s old utility role.

Then came the under-the-radar gem of the offseason: signing undrafted rookie guard Trevon Brazile, who slid out of the 2025 NBA Draft but was quickly picked up by Denver. The 6-foot-9 Arkansas product offers athleticism, defensive upside, and a potentially versatile skill set that could evolve under head coach Michael Malone’s guidance.

Still, all of these moves, while collectively smart and future-conscious, don’t resolve Denver’s most urgent remaining problem: backup center.

It was a concern last year and it’s arguably even more pressing now. Nikola Jokić continues to play heavy minutes, but the physical toll of carrying so much responsibility on both ends of the floor is increasingly evident. When Jokić sits, Denver’s on-court performance plummets. In the 2024-25 season, the Nuggets were outscored by a staggering 13.5 points per 100 possessions when Jokić was off the court.

Zeke Nnaji has been inconsistent. Though the 6-foot-9 forward-center was given chances to anchor the second unit, his lack of rim protection and rebounding makes him more of a tweener than a reliable backup five. Jay Huff, while intriguing as a 7-footer with range, hasn’t earned Malone’s trust in key moments. And with DeAndre Jordan now 36 and unsigned, the veteran fallback plan appears to have expired.

In today’s NBA, where the margin for error in the West is razor thin, Denver can’t afford to ignore the backup big slot. The Western Conference has only grown more competitive this summer — with the Lakers adding Buddy Hield and Jonas Valančiūnas, the Suns shoring up their bench depth, and the Timberwolves retaining their twin-tower nucleus.

If Jokić misses time — or even just needs a reduced regular-season workload — Denver must have a dependable reserve who can protect the rim, rebound, and at least simulate some of Jokić’s playmaking from the elbow.

So what’s the final move?

Sign Bismack Biyombo. Or another veteran center cut from the same cloth.

Biyombo remains unsigned as of late July, and while he won’t give you points, he’s a battle-tested veteran who offers precisely what Denver needs: defensive presence, rim deterrence, and rebounding. He averaged 4.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in 2024 with the Memphis Grizzlies in limited minutes — but more importantly, he understands his role and never demands touches.

He would bring what DeAndre Jordan did in 2023 — minus the mileage and with better mobility. He also brings playoff experience, having filled in admirably for Deandre Ayton during Phoenix’s deep run in 2022. His pick-and-roll defense is reliable, and his locker room reputation is stellar. Signing Biyombo to a veteran minimum deal would give Malone a trustworthy big to spell Jokić and stabilize the second unit defensively.

Other options exist too. Gorgui Dieng is a free agent, as is Derrick Favors. Both could be camp invites. But Biyombo represents the best blend of skill, availability, and fit.

Of course, there’s also the trade market. One name that’s quietly gained traction among insiders is Orlando’s Moritz Wagner. The Magic are loaded in the frontcourt and could be persuaded to move Wagner, who brings floor spacing and toughness, for a second-round pick or a project player like Hunter Tyson. Wagner’s offensive versatility could open up new second-unit configurations for Malone, allowing Denver to play a more European-style offense when Jokić rests.

But there’s urgency here. If the Nuggets wait too long, they’ll either be forced to overpay at the trade deadline or roll into the season with fingers crossed that Nnaji blossoms — something that seems increasingly unlikely with each passing year.

Jokić is in his prime. Jamal Murray just signed a max extension and is locked in as the co-star. Michael Porter Jr. continues to polish his all-around game, and Aaron Gordon remains one of the NBA’s most underrated defenders. This is the window. Every year matters. Every margin matters.

Denver’s front office has done well this summer. They avoided panic. They stayed within budget. They didn’t overextend the roster for aging stars. Instead, they layered the bench with youth and versatility. But no amount of wings and combo guards can make up for the absence of a legitimate backup big man when your entire system is built around the best center in the world.

The rest of the league saw what happened when Denver’s bench was tested in the 2024 playoffs. They went small, got pushed around, and couldn’t control the paint when Jokić sat. That weakness cost them in the second round. Fixing that isn’t just the last piece of the puzzle — it’s a necessary step if the Nuggets want to stay contenders in the evolving Western Conference.

The core is intact. The pieces are mostly in place. But without addressing the backup center void, the Nuggets risk flying too close to the sun with no safety net.

Biyombo, Wagner, or someone else — Denver’s final move needs to be now. Because in the modern NBA, even a championship team is only one injury or one second-unit mismatch away from an early exit.