BREAKING: Shocker in Denver As Nuggets Make Stunning Firings Just Before Playoffs

In an absolutely shocking move that has stunned the NBA, the Denver Nuggets have fired both head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth, just a week and a half before the start of the playoffs.

Absolutely nuts. Booth and Malone never liked each other, rarely spoke, and talked behind each other's backs. With the team struggling on the court, Nuggets ownership decided to fire both. Insane. https://t.co/BUVS7grQWq
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 8, 2025

Per Kevin O'Connor, Malone & Booth "rarely spoke, and talked behind each other's back." Now they're both looking for work—we would assume in different locations, given their difficult relationship.

Malone led the Nuggets to the NBA championship just two years ago, and has served as the team's head coach for 10 years, with a 471-327 record. Denver is currently the 4th seed in the Western Conference, but a four-game losing streak has them just percentage points up on plummeting into the middle of the Play-In.

Denver Nuggets and Calvin Booth failed to reach terms on an extension that both parties felt was satisfactory before the 2024-25 season got underway, sources tell me. Booth, instrumental in helping the franchise capture a title, was on an expiring contract.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 8, 2025

Per Chris Haynes, Booth, who helped built that championship team, and was in his position for three years, was on an expiring contract after failing to come to an extension before the 2024-25 season got underway.

"This decision was not made lightly and was evaluated very carefully, and we do it only with the intention of giving our group the best chance at competing for the 2025 NBA Championship and delivering another title to Denver and our fans everywhere," said Nuggets vice chairman Josh Kroenke, in a statement.

"While the timing of this decision is unfortunate, as Coach Malone helped build the foundation of our now championship level program, it is a necessary step to allow us to compete at the highest level right now. Championship level standards and expectations remain in place for the current season, and as we look to the future, we look forward to building on the foundations laid by Coach Malone over his record-breaking 10-year career in Denver."

David Adelman, the Nuggets' lead assistant, will serve as the team's interim coach for the remainder of the season.