Nuggets’ Michael Malone Set to Join Ranks of Top-Paid NBA Coaches

Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone signs a lucrative contract extension, solidifying his position among the NBA’s top-paid coaches, as per sources from ESPN on Monday.

Malone’s contract renewal follows the Nuggets’ historic victory in the 2023 NBA championship, marking the team’s first-ever title. Malone’s successful partnership with two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, combined with the organization’s robust and consistent roster, positions Denver as a formidable contender for multiple seasons in the quest for more championships.

Currently leading the Western Conference with an 8-2 record in the 2023-24 season, Malone has dedicated eight seasons to propelling the Nuggets from lottery contenders to playoff participants and, eventually, championship victors. Denver’s impressive 16-4 run in the 2023 playoffs was the most astounding in the league since the Golden State Warriors in 2017.

Malone ranks fourth in the NBA in terms of tenure, trailing only San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich, Miami’s Erik Spoelstra, and Golden State’s Steve Kerr. He holds a regular season record of 375-272 (.580) with Denver, and is 37-31 (.554) in the playoffs.

Under Malone’s leadership, the Nuggets boast the second-best winning percentage in the NBA since the 2018-19 season, second only to the Milwaukee Bucks, as per ESPN Stats & Information. Malone also ranks third all-time in games (647) and wins (375) among Nuggets head coaches, behind Doug Moe and George Karl.