Jamal Murray's huge contract offer shows value to Nuggets roster
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray.
Jamal Murray has never been an NBA All-Star. However, the Denver Nuggets are about to give him an All-Star-level salary.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Murray is expected to sign a four-year contract extension worth $209M.
Murray is a key piece of the Nuggets roster. He is their second-best player behind Nikola Jokic and one of the best clutch performers in the NBA. The Nuggets front office is wise to try to tie the veteran guard down to a new contract.
The value of the contract should also be taken into context. He may not be an All-Star, but to Denver, he is an elite talent who helped bring it a championship — the first in franchise history. You reward that sort of success whenever possible.
Murray will go down in Nuggets history for his accomplishments with the franchise.
When he's at his best, there are few better playmakers than Murray, and there are few scorers more reliable. This past season, he averaged 21.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 48.1% from the field and 42.5% from three-point range.
Murray is an All-Star talent who has been overlooked during the voting process. He may become an All-Star at some point during his next contract. Of course, he would likely forgo that privilege if it meant becoming a two-time NBA champion.
Denver is nearing signing one of its best players to a huge contract. That's what a franchise is supposed to do. Mike Malone's team thrives due to its continuity. Losing Murray would have derailed its current core and hurt its chances of competing for a championship next season.
To the Nuggets, Murray is an All-Star. He's their All-Star. And he's a player who can turn the tide in tight games.
You need those sorts of talents on your roster if you want to contend at the pinnacle of the NBA.
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