Nikola Jokić Reportedly Acknowledged and Understood Michael Malone’s Firing

Nikola Jokić Was Reportedly Informed About Michael Malone’s Firing and ‘Understood’ the Denver Nuggets’ Decision Amid Rising Internal Tensions

In a move that has shocked the NBA community, the Denver Nuggets parted ways with head coach Michael Malone less than a week before the 2025 NBA Playoffs. While there is no evidence that franchise cornerstone Nikola Jokić lobbied for Malone’s dismissal, multiple reports indicate that the two-time MVP was made aware of the decision immediately—and he understood the reasoning behind it.

According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Nuggets president Josh Kroenke personally contacted Jokić to explain the decision following the internal shakeup. “My understanding is as soon as the decisions were made to make these firings, Josh Kroenke called Nikola Jokić, informed him of the decisions. And Nikola Jokić, I’m told, understood,” Charania shared during Wednesday’s edition of NBA Countdown. “This franchise, what was going on right now, it’s in a bad place and he understood the organization’s move.”

Despite the Nuggets entering the postseason with a solid 47-32 record and on track for a seventh straight playoff appearance, trouble had been brewing behind the scenes. Internal reports suggest that tension between head coach Malone and general manager Calvin Booth had reached a breaking point. Booth, who reportedly will not have his contract renewed at the end of the season, had long-standing disagreements with Malone on roster decisions and player development strategies.

ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk described the rift between the two as a “cold war,” with sources indicating that the dysfunction within the front office had begun to impact the team’s performance. Since the All-Star break, the Nuggets have gone just 11-13 and recently suffered a four-game losing streak. Player frustration has reportedly been mounting, with Nikola Jokić visibly expressing dissatisfaction during games.

The Athletic reported further that league sources cited a growing disconnect in the locker room, particularly regarding the team’s underwhelming defensive performance. Denver currently ranks 20th in defensive rating—a concerning slide for a team with championship aspirations. Jokić, known for his basketball IQ and leadership, has reportedly been displeased with the team’s lack of defensive effort and consistency throughout the season.

One of the core issues between Malone and Booth revolved around the usage of younger players. Booth advocated for increased minutes for the younger talent he had drafted, while Malone continued to rely heavily on veteran contributors. These philosophical differences created a widening gap in leadership vision, which reportedly began to affect the entire organization’s cohesion and morale.

While firing a head coach of Malone’s caliber right before the playoffs is almost unheard of, insiders believe Jokić was not surprised by the decision. Although he likely expected any major changes to come after the season, the growing internal instability may have made an immediate change inevitable.

The firing of Michael Malone marks one of the most dramatic developments in a season filled with unexpected turns across the league. From headline-making trades to other surprise coaching changes—such as the Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to part ways with Taylor Jenkins—the 2024–25 NBA season has delivered postseason drama well before the playoffs even begin.

As the Nuggets prepare for the playoffs without the coach who helped guide them to the 2023 NBA Championship, all eyes will be on Nikola Jokić and how the team responds to this high-stakes shakeup.