As the Denver Nuggets gear up for their first-round playoff clash with the Los Angeles Clippers, a new report has surfaced revealing behind-the-scenes tension that may have contributed to the franchise’s recent front office shakeup. According to insider Jake Fischer, former head coach Michael Malone actively pushed to trade a key young starter prior to his dismissal—an explosive revelation that further explains the internal discord leading up to the dramatic late-season moves.
Malone, who was fired just one week before the conclusion of the regular season, had been at the helm of the Nuggets for a decade, guiding the team to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2023. His tenure was largely seen as a success, but organizational tensions had reportedly been simmering for months, particularly between Malone and General Manager Calvin Booth—who was also relieved of his duties.
The report by Fischer, published earlier this week, alleges that Malone had advocated for the trade of third-year guard Christian Braun before last season’s trade deadline. Braun, selected in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, had struggled early in his career to earn consistent minutes under Malone but eventually carved out a significant role in the rotation.
“Braun is yet another player who had to dig his way out of being buried into the coach’s bench,” Fischer wrote. “Malone, sources say, had even pushed to trade Braun leading up to last season’s trade deadline.” The quote sheds light on the apparent disconnect between Malone’s vision for the team and the front office’s investment in developing young talent.
Despite Malone’s reported resistance, Braun went on to have a breakout season in 2025, starting 77 games and averaging 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and emerging as Denver’s top perimeter defender. His defensive assignment in the upcoming playoff series will be crucial, as the Nuggets look to contain Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
Malone’s abrupt departure left fans and analysts stunned, especially given his long-standing leadership and the championship pedigree he helped build. However, the newly revealed details suggest a deeper organizational fracture, centered around player development philosophy and roster construction.
While Denver prepares to host Game 1 against the Clippers on Saturday, speculation continues to swirl around Malone’s future. Several teams, including the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies, have head coaching vacancies and could pursue the veteran coach given his proven track record.
With Braun now entrenched as a core piece of the Nuggets’ postseason plans, and a new era dawning in Denver’s front office, the team finds itself at a pivotal crossroads—balancing championship expectations with internal change. The full impact of these recent revelations may not be fully felt until the offseason, but one thing is clear: Denver’s path forward is now without the architect who helped build their championship foundation.