Jamal Murray has officially signed a four-year, $208 million maximum contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, securing his place with the team until the end of the 2028-29 season. This new deal removes the possibility of Murray entering free agency next summer and was in negotiation for several months before the team made the formal announcement.
Jamal Murray has been a cornerstone of the Nuggets’ success in recent years, playing a critical role alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. As Jokić’s primary pick-and-roll partner, Murray has helped form one of the league’s most dangerous offensive tandems. The extension ensures that Denver can continue to build around this duo as they aim for more championships.
Jamal Murray’s career has been filled with resilience, most notably his comeback from a torn ACL, which caused him to miss the entire 2021-22 season. In his return, Murray made an immediate impact, helping lead the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023. During that season, he posted career highs, averaging 21.2 points and 6.5 assists per game while becoming the franchise leader in 3-point field goals made.
However, the road since winning the title has been tough. Jamal Murray experienced an injury-plagued 2023-24 regular season, forcing him to miss multiple games due to various ailments. Despite these setbacks, he still delivered key performances, including game-winners in the first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers during the playoffs. Unfortunately, he struggled with nagging injuries in the following round, and the Nuggets were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a seven-game series.
Beyond the NBA season, Murray also faced a tough stretch during the Paris Olympics, representing Canada. He averaged just 6 points per game and shot poorly, hitting below 30% from the field and a mere 15% from beyond the arc. His underperformance raised concerns among fans, as many wondered whether his contract extension would be finalized given the subpar form. Nonetheless, Denver’s front office remained committed to securing Murray long-term, recognizing his integral role on the team.
General Manager Calvin Booth highlighted the importance of Murray staying healthy for the upcoming NBA season, with the team hoping for another deep playoff run. Now, with the extension in place, the Nuggets can focus on maintaining their status as title contenders, relying on Murray to play a pivotal role in their pursuit of future success.
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