Key Nuggets players to watch on the 2026 Summer League team, from draft picks to a returning CU star.

The Nuggets waived backup center on Jonas Valanciunas on Wednesday, clearing a chunk of roster payroll as their 2026 offseason remains in limbo.

Nuggets Summer League coach JJ Barea has Denver’s ears, regardless of which style he adopts over the next two weeks. They’ll listen to any advice a 2K legend has to impart.

Nikola Jokic is set to enter the last guaranteed year of his current contract with no official agreement in place that he’ll be in Denver beyond on 2027. But the Nuggets are confident he isn’t going anywhere, according to team sources.

The 2026 NBA offseason has been one of the craziest in years, even if it doesn’t feel like it in Denver.

There is no guarantee the Nuggets get LeBron James. But it is 100% certain they won’t without the Kroenkes being all in.

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