NBA Rumors: 3 Most Likely Landing Spots Named for Michael Malone

April 08, 2025 ,


After the absolutely shocking news of the Denver Nuggets firing championship coach Michael Malone with just three games left in the season, there's no doubt that the veteran play-caller will find himself in demand this offseason. And there's already one landing spot that could be standing out amongst all the others.  

Per insider Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, we should all "keep a close eye on Michael Malone being Gregg Popovich's successor in San Antonio." 

Pop has missed most of the season after suffering a stroke back on Nov. 2nd. 

The 76-year-old was starting his 29th season as the Spurs’ head coach. He is the oldest and longest-tenured head coach in the NBA and is its all-time wins leader. Popovich has won five NBA titles, and three Coach of the Year awards. 

His future is still uncertain as he continues his recovery from the mild stroke, but it wouldn't surprise anyone if he finally decides to call it quits. 

It would be mighty hard to replace Pop, but Michael Malone, with his own championship already under his belt, would be a pretty good option. Like Pop with the likes of Tim Duncan and David Robinson in the past, and Victor Wembanyama in the present, Malone is well practiced and very adept at coaching a big man who is considered the best player in the NBA. 

Going from Nikola Jokic to Wemby would obviously be an adjustment, but Malone would be stepping into a team that's well-positioned to win, with De'Aaron Fox at point guard to go with Wembanyama as well as other young stars like Devin Vassel and Keldon Johnson. 

Spurs, Grizzlies & Kings are potential landing spots for Michael Malone

Other teams that would make a strong play for Malone include the Memphis Grizzlies, who also surprised us all by firing their head coach Taylor Jenkins about a week ago, and the Sacramento Kings, who dismissed Mike Brown much earlier in the season. 

Photo: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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