Renck vs. Keeler: Does Nuggets’ Jamal Murray have the worst contract in Colorado sports?

Is Jamal Murray's Contract the Worst in Colorado Sports? A Heated Debate Sparks New Questions About the Nuggets' Future

In the world of Colorado sports, few debates have grown as fierce as the one now centered around Denver Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray. After recently signing a 4-year, $207.8 million contract extension, Murray is drawing intense scrutiny—not just from fans, but from respected local columnists Troy Renck and Mark Kiszla Keeler, who are split on one bold question: Is this the worst contract in Colorado sports?

The Price Tag: Big Money, Big Expectations

Murray’s new deal—averaging over $52 million annually—places him among the highest-paid guards in the NBA. Yet he remains the only player among the league’s top 27 earners who has never been named to an All-Star Game. While he has been a postseason hero in spurts, injuries have limited his impact: he missed the entire 2021–22 season, played 65 games in 2022–23, and only 59 games last season.

Those numbers are raising questions in a city where high-risk, high-cost contracts have backfired before—think Russell Wilson with the Broncos or Kris Bryant with the Rockies.

Renck’s Case: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Denver Post columnist Troy Renck argues that Murray’s new deal is simply too much for what the Nuggets are getting. He points out that, despite his immense talent, Murray has struggled with consistency and availability. “When you're committing this much cap space to a player who hasn’t been an All-Star and carries an injury history, it’s a gamble,” Renck warns.

Even more damning, Murray’s trade value isn’t sky-high either. With such a massive contract and no All-NBA nods or individual accolades, some execs reportedly view him as overvalued—especially compared to stars on similar contracts.

Keeler’s Defense: Murray’s Value Can’t Be Measured in Stats Alone

On the other side of the debate, columnist Keeler argues that Murray’s deal, while steep, reflects his unique chemistry with Nikola Jokić and his status as the franchise’s second cornerstone. “He’s not just a numbers guy,” Keeler notes. “He’s a clutch performer. Look at the 2020 playoff bubble. Look at the championship run.”

Indeed, when Murray is healthy, he’s proven capable of playoff brilliance, routinely stepping up with 30+ point performances on basketball’s biggest stage. Keeler insists that intangibles, leadership, and locker-room presence matter too—especially for a title contender.

The Bigger Picture: Is Murray a Victim of Colorado's Contract Curses?

Colorado has a rough history with mega-deals gone wrong. Russell Wilson’s $242 million contract has become an albatross. Kris Bryant’s $182 million deal with the Rockies? A bust. Even the Nuggets themselves gave a risky max extension to Michael Porter Jr., who shares a similarly lengthy injury track record.

Murray’s deal could join that infamous list—or become the one that proves critics wrong.

Verdict: It’s Too Soon to Tell, But the Clock Is Ticking

As Jamal Murray prepares for the 2025–26 season, the pressure is officially on. He’ll be expected to not just stay healthy, but to dominate. Anything less, and the whispers about his contract being the “worst in Colorado” could turn into a full-blown narrative.

But if he rises to the occasion, stays on the court, and helps Denver contend for another championship, his contract may look like a smart investment rather than a massive risk.

One thing is certain: Jamal Murray’s next chapter in Denver will be his most important yet.