Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth told NBA reporter Sam Amick of The Athletic that he understands why Jamal Murray decided not to sign an extension with the franchise this offseason.
Murray is currently eligible to sign a three-year, $145 million extension. However, he can make more money by waiting until next offseason to sign a new contract with the Nuggets.
“I think (Murray) is just trying to maximize his earnings,” Booth told The Athletic about Murray’s decision to bypass an extension this summer. “Look, he’s an All-NBA talent. I think he knows what the benchmark is, what he needs to achieve. I mean, obviously, at the end of the day, it’s in the voters’ hands, not his. But whatever is in his control to make that team, we fully expect him to do it this year. We’re moving forward as if he’s going to be a supermax guy because I know when Jamal sets his mind to something it usually happens.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jamal Murray, Calvin Booth, Denver Nuggets Updates
If Murray makes one of the three All-NBA teams this season, he will be eligible for a supermax extension with the Nuggets next offseason. The talented guard averaged 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists last season.
Murray was incredible for the Nuggets in the 2023 playoffs. He averaged 26.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 20 games versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. The Kentucky product put up 21.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 10.0 assists per game in the Finals.
Murray missed the entire 2021-22 season recovering from an ACL tear. While he had some doubts about whether he could come back and be the same explosive player, Murray never stopped working for the Nuggets.
“I have to say that I had my doubts as well,” Murray said. “It’s just natural. Somebody asked me about butterflies. That’s what makes you alive. That’s what makes you care. When you doubt yourself, that’s what makes you try to find a way to turn it around. In whatever sport, in whatever injury, in whatever career you’re in, when you go through adversity, it’s how you envision and visualize yourself at the end of it.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jamal Murray, Calvin Booth, Denver Nuggets Updates
The Nuggets beat the Heat in the 2023 Finals in five games. It will be fascinating to see if they can repeat as champions this season.
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