Jamal Murray was one of the important players for the Denver Nuggets last season. However, he suffered disappointment when they were knocked out of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Not only that, his Paris Olympics campaign with Canada also ended in frustration. However, that didn’t stop the franchise from offering him a new mammoth deal.
Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nuggets and Jamal Murray have agreed on a four-year, $208 million maximum extension. The new deal will effectively keep him in Denver until the 2028-29 league season. By signing the latest contract, the 27-year-old point guard has set a new record. He now becomes the highest earner in NBA history among players without an All-Star selection.
Since joining the Denver Nuggets in 2016, Murray has formed a close partnership alongside teammate Nikola Jokic. As a result, the duo has become one of the most lethal offensive combinations in the league. Furthermore, the new extension guarantees Murray a total of $244M in the bank over the next five seasons!
The Nuggets played a smart move here, as they will now avoid losing him in free agency next summer. While a lot has been said about Murray’s performances of late, he’s still the franchise’s all-time leader in made 3-point shots. He was also one of only three players to average 20 points, six assists, and 40% 3-point shooting a season ago. Nevertheless, the contract has sparked much attention online.
Basketball fans react to Jamal Murray getting massive contract extension
After Jamal Murray reached an extension agreement with the Denver Nuggets, the news has left fans in splits. While some were happy about the franchise keeping one of its key players, others were disappointed by the sheer amount of money offered. One point many people hammered on was Murray’s performances in the Olympics.
Indeed, the Nuggets guard severely underperformed on the world stage with Team Canada. Throughout the tournament, he averaged only six points a game, with 41.2% shooting from two and 14.3% shooting from three. Murray also played off the bench, a role that the NBA champion wasn’t used to. As a result, he had an Olympic campaign to forget as his country got eliminated by France in the quarterfinals.
Nonetheless, most basketball fans haven’t forgotten about it so soon. Here are their reactions:
For someone who sucked ass in the Olympics and was exposed as a Jokic merchant, this is an insane heist
— OG Anunoby Addict (@PlayoffBoundNYK) September 7, 2024
Jamal is getting a 2nd ring bookmark my shit
— The Lakers Daddy (@NugsGetBuckets) September 7, 2024
This is an obvious decision for Denver. They aren’t getting anyone better with their cap situation.
— SportShorts (@den_shorts) September 7, 2024
Playoff Murray is unmatched.
Especially against the Lakers. 😂
— SonicsMuse (@SonicsMuse) September 7, 2024
Despite the current sentiment fans have towards him, Murray will hope to get back on track in the upcoming season. The Denver Nuggets will face off against defending champions Boston Celtics on October 4.
