The Denver Nuggets kicking out Michael Malone, their best head coach, was not what NBA fans expected to see before the NBA playoffs. Malone guided the team to their very first NBA championship in 2023.

As much as there was a solid relationship with franchise player Nikola Jokic, Malone's growing estrangement with recently fired general manager Calvin Booth reportedly drove the organization to a breaking point.

How did Malone react after knowing about this front-office decision?

Internal Tension Boils Over in Denver

Insider Reveals Michael Malone's Reaction After Being Fired by Denver Insider Reveals Michael Malone's Reaction After Being Fired by Denver
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Apparently, insiders said that Malone and Calvin Booth, the general manager who was also fired, were having internal struggles with their decisions. It appeared that they had strained relations prior to the firing, according to Athlon Sports.

Malone, with his combative personality and aggressive coaching style, had been one of the fierier leaders in the NBA. He didn't shy away from engaging in shouting matches with players, referees, or front-office personnel when needed. But according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Malone didn't quietly accept the dismissal.

Windhorst said in the "The Hoop Collective" podcast that the 53-year-old head coach was not calm after knowing that he wouldn't be the coach for the Nuggets this upcoming playoffs.

"It got out pretty quickly in the NBA that Michael Malone's reaction to being fired was not calm, which is not a surprise. I don't blame him," Windhorst said.

The firing ended a rocky relationship behind the scenes—one that had subtly eroded team chemistry and management unity.

Nikola Jokic Era Continues Without Malone

Though Malone played a central role in Jokic's development into a two-time MVP and championship pillar, the team is now looking for a fresh direction.

Jokic is still the face of the team, and with trade capital in Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets are not remotely rebuilding.

Although Jokic is rumored to be traded after Malone's firing, the Nuggets look set to reload behind a coach who aligns with ownership's new-age vision—purportedly preferring a more player-focused, less acrimonious style.

Interim head coach David Adelman is taking over with immediate pressure. Denver is expected to play the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, a tough series that will challenge Adelman to get a shaken team to come together.