In a shocking decision that sent ripples across the NBA, the Denver Nuggets dismissed head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth just days before the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The front office cited “performance inconsistencies, cultural misalignment, and internal conflict” as the reasons behind this sudden leadership overhaul. Assistant coach David Adelman stepped up as interim head coach, while assistant GM Allison Greene temporarily assumed Booth’s responsibilities.
This move came as a surprise not only because of its timing but also due to the stature both Malone and Booth held within the organization. The Nuggets, defending champions from the 2022–23 season, entered the playoffs with a solid record. Despite some mid-season struggles, many analysts still considered them strong contenders. Firing both the head coach and general manager with only days left before the postseason showed the gravity of the situation behind the scenes.
Fractures Beneath the Surface
Reports of internal tension between Malone and Booth had circulated for months. Sources close to the team revealed that disagreements between the two grew louder this season. Malone reportedly pushed for a more traditional approach to roster development, relying heavily on veterans and established chemistry. Booth, on the other hand, leaned toward a more analytics-driven, fast-paced rebuild centered around younger talent.
These philosophical differences clashed during trade windows and draft discussions. For instance, Booth’s push to trade veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope midseason met resistance from Malone, who viewed KCP as essential for playoff defense. Eventually, the front office ignored Malone’s recommendation and sent Caldwell-Pope to the Hawks in exchange for two second-round picks and a younger wing. That trade strained relationships inside the locker room and among the coaching staff.
Several players noticed the tension. According to a player who spoke anonymously, “The staff didn’t agree on anything. One side told us to slow the game down and rely on execution, while the other told us to push the tempo. We didn’t know what to follow.”
Malone’s Journey With the Nuggets
Michael Malone joined the Nuggets in 2015 and became one of the longest-tenured coaches in the league. He helped transform a young, rebuilding squad into a championship-caliber team. Under his leadership, Denver evolved into a Western Conference powerhouse. He built a system around Nikola Jokić that not only highlighted the center’s unique skills but also fostered player development. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon thrived under his guidance.
Malone brought intensity, accountability, and a defensive mindset to a team often known for offensive flash. His blunt coaching style sometimes caused friction, but the results spoke for themselves. The 2023 championship cemented his legacy. However, the team struggled with consistency in the two following seasons, exiting early in 2024 and entering 2025 with similar issues.
Malone’s supporters argue that the front office failed him by not delivering better bench depth and by letting veterans walk without suitable replacements. Critics say Malone stuck with his favorites too long and didn’t adjust to evolving league dynamics.
Booth’s Rise and Fall
Calvin Booth stepped into the GM role in 2022 after Tim Connelly’s departure. He entered with bold ideas and a strong focus on data analytics. Booth believed in surrounding Jokić with younger, athletic defenders and sharpshooters. He drafted wisely and pulled off smart trades early in his tenure. But this season, his moves raised eyebrows.
The decision to offload key veterans for draft assets midseason drew criticism. Analysts questioned whether Booth had his eyes more on 2026 than 2025. That forward-thinking strategy clashed with Malone’s win-now urgency. Booth’s critics argue he lost touch with the team’s immediate needs. Meanwhile, his supporters believe the coach didn’t execute the roster vision effectively.
Sources inside the organization confirmed that Booth and Malone stopped communicating directly by March. Mediation efforts by team president Josh Kroenke failed. That breakdown forced ownership to act.
A Sudden Decision With High Stakes
The Nuggets ownership met privately after a close loss to the Phoenix Suns last week. During that meeting, Kroenke laid out three choices: mediate again, part ways with one leader, or clear the slate. Given the widening gap between coach and GM—and their inability to compromise—ownership decided on the third option.
On April 8, Kroenke called both Malone and Booth into separate meetings and informed them of their terminations. Players and coaching staff received the news shortly afterward. By the afternoon, David Adelman led practice with a new directive: rally the team, refocus, and prepare for the playoffs.
Adelman Steps Up
Adelman, who served as Malone’s lead assistant for three seasons, now finds himself at the helm of a championship-contending team on the eve of postseason play. Known for his strategic mind and calm demeanor, Adelman already commands respect in the locker room. He plans to maintain much of the existing playbook while adding a few wrinkles to keep opponents guessing.
“I’m not trying to reinvent anything in the next few days,” Adelman told reporters. “My job is to stabilize, support, and lead this group through the playoffs. We still have the talent to go all the way.”
Adelman’s first task involves restoring unity. He met privately with Jokić, Murray, and other core players on Monday night to reassure them of the team’s direction. “The goal hasn’t changed,” Jokić said afterward. “We want another title. We’ll fight for it together.”
The Road Ahead
The Nuggets now face the playoffs without the leadership that carried them through the past several seasons. That creates uncertainty—but also opportunity. Players have a chance to rise, rally around a new voice, and prove that chemistry and culture matter more than chaos at the top.
Meanwhile, the front office begins a search for permanent replacements. Early candidates for head coach include Sam Cassell, Kenny Atkinson, and Becky Hammon. On the executive side, former Raptors GM Masai Ujiri and Celtics assistant GM Mike Zarren appear on Denver’s radar.
Whatever happens next, this decision marks a turning point for the franchise. Firing both a championship-winning coach and a forward-thinking GM just before the playoffs signals ambition—but also desperation. The team must now show that bold decisions lead to bold outcomes.
Fans remain divided. Some applaud the shake-up, frustrated by a year of inconsistent play. Others call it a panic move that risks sabotaging a playoff run. Time will tell which side holds the truth. But for now, Denver marches forward, restructured and reenergized, with the postseason just around the corner.
