​In a surprising move just days before the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets have fired head coach Michael Malone, according to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania. 

Furthermore, the Nuggets announced they will not extend the contract of general manager Calvin Booth and have relieved him of his duties as well.

Malone, who became the Nuggets' head coach in 2015, led the team to its first NBA championship in 2023 and became the franchise's winningest coach with a record of 471–327. ​

Despite a recent four-game losing streak, the Nuggets hold a 47–32 record and are contending for home-court advantage in the postseason. ​

Assistant coach David Adelman has been appointed as interim head coach.

ANALYSIS: The decision to part ways with both Malone and Booth reflects the organization's urgency to reclaim championship form as the postseason approaches. The in-season rift between Denver’s front office and coaching body has been an open secret ​with both sides not agreeing on tactical decisions on the court. However, the timing of the firing is what intrigues the league, with only a week remaining before the playoffs start.

Moreover, this playoff run would likely spell another player movement change in the offseason if the Nuggets do not make a deep run. The franchise had long been in search of capable pieces around 3-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic since winning the title two years ago, and this move signals the impending change inside the team as well.