Inside The Nuggets

New Report on Michael Malone Wanting Key Nuggets Player Traded

A new report details Michael Malone's desire to trade a key starter before the Nuggets fired him
Terry Kimble|
Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

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Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets prepare for their first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers in the upcoming Western Conference playoffs. Denver made a surprise move by firing former coach Michael Malone a week before the season ended. Malone coached the Nuggets for 10 years and led them to their first NBA championship in franchise history.

In addition to Malone, General Manager Calvin Booth was also relieved of his duties. Rumors circulated of a major rift between Booth and Malone, causing tension throughout the organization. A new report by Jake Fischer revealed that Malone wanted to trade one of Denver's young starters this year.

Fischer wrote that Christian Bruan was the player the former head coach wanted to move on from before last year's trade deadline. "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 Nuggets selected Braun in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Braun started a career-high 77 games this year, his third in the league, and emerged as the team's primary perimeter defender. He averaged 15.4 points and 5.3 rebounds this season for the Nuggets. Now Braun will be looked at to guard Kawhi Leonard and James Harden in the matchup with the Clippers.

Malone's future as a coach is uncertain, but several NBA openings, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns, need coaches, so Malone may not be out of coaching for an extended period of time. Denver hosts the Clippers on Saturday in Game 1 of the playoffs.

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Terry Kimble
TERRY KIMBLE

Credentialed NBA Media member covering the New Orleans Pelicans since 2018. Started covering the team with Fansided before continuing my Pelicans coverage on SB Nation. In 2022 helped jumpstart Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation coverage of the team and have continued covering them for Pelicans on SI

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