Nuggets Fire Coach Michael Malone Ahead of 2025 NBA Playoffs; GM Calvin Booth Also Out

In a shocking move, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone just days before the start of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Alongside Malone, General Manager Calvin Booth will also not return next season. The unexpected decision has sent ripples through the NBA community, leaving fans and analysts alike in disbelief.

The Nuggets' front office has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the abrupt dismissals. However, sources close to the team suggest that internal disagreements and a shift in strategic direction may have played a role. Malone, who led the Nuggets to their first NBA Championship in 2023, had been with the team since 2015 and was expected to continue his tenure for the foreseeable future.

Reactions from around the league have been swift. Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his surprise, stating, "It's a stunner for sure. Michael did great things in Denver." Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr criticized the move, hinting at billionaire owners' impatience in the NBA, saying, "It's becoming too common to see coaches and GMs sacked without a fair shot."

• Calvin Booth
• Denver Nuggets
• Michael Malone
• NBA Playoffs

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Who did the nuggets fire?

The Denver Nuggets fired Michael Malone on Tuesday in the second stunning NBA coaching dismissal in as many weeks. The news dropped from seemingly out of nowhere before lunchtime in Denver with less than a week remaining in the regular season.

Why was Malone fired nuggets?

Denver Nuggets fired Michael Malone due to ongoing tensions with GM Calvin Booth, declining team performance, and ownership's belief that a shake-up was needed to spark a playoff run.

Did Michael Malone get fired today?

The Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, the team announced Tuesday. The moves come with the Nuggets sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference with just three games left in the regular season.

Did the Denver Nuggets fire their head coach today?

Malone, who coached the Denver Nuggets to the NBA title in 2023 and has led the team to eight consecutive winning seasons, was fired Tuesday, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. Malone is the winningest coach in franchise history and the NBA Finals championship is the only title in Nuggets history.

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