![The Nuggets were eliminated from the playoffs with a 100-96 loss in Game 7 to Portland on Sunday. [Image Source: Flickr | selsportswear]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/5/13/660x290/b_502x220x82/the-nuggets-were-eliminated-from-the-playoffs-with-a-100-96-loss-in-game-7-to-portland-on-sunday-image-source-flickr-selsportswear_2263339.jpg "The Nuggets were eliminated from the playoffs with a 100-96 loss in Game 7 to Portland on Sunday. [Image Source: Flickr | selsportswear]")
After winning a Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs in the opening round of the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets failed to do likewise in their Western Conference Semifinals matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. On Sunday, they fell in the do-or-die matchup by the score of 100-96.
It still was an excellent season for Denver as they finished with the second-best record in the Western Conference. The team will likely be able to jell more next season as most of their rotation pieces are under contract for next season. The Nuggets could hope another year together helps propel them further into the playoffs or they can look to sign pieces to add to their depth/make a trade. HoopsHype takes a more in-depth look at what awaits them in the offseason.
Here are the five players (four are free agents, one has a team option) that the Nuggets will need to decide whether they want to keep on the roster (listed in alphabetical order by last name). The team's free agent list was taken from Spotrac. Ages listed are how old they will be when next season begins.
Brandon Goodwin (PG) - Restricted, Age: 24
Undrafted in 2018, Goodwin signed a two-way deal with Denver in mid-December. He appeared in 16 games totaling 57 minutes and finished the season with 23 points and 14 assists. In 27 games in the G-League, he posted averages of 21.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.5 steals.
Tyler Lydon (PF) - Unrestricted, Age: 23
Drafted 24th in 2017, Lydon has seen minimal action in his two seasons with the Nuggets. He played 25 games (94 minutes) this season totaling 23 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists. He played just one game during his rookie season.
Trey Lyles (PF) - Restricted, Age: 23
A first round pick in 2015, Lyles was removed from Denver's rotation late in the season. He played a grand total of just eight minutes in this year's playoffs. In 64 regular season games, he finished with per game averages of 8.5 points and 3.8 rebound while playing 17.5 minutes a contest.
Paul Millsap (PF) - Team option for $30,500,000, Age: 34
While Millsap's play probably doesn't merit the $30.5 million he could get, it would be hard for Denver to replace his defensive presence and overall production if they decide not to pick it up. The four-time All-Star's average of 12.6 points this season was his lowest since the 2009-10 season.
Isaiah Thomas (PG) - Unrestricted, Age: 30
A Second Team All-NBA member in the 2016-17 season, injuries have helped create quite the downward spiral for Thomas in the following two years. He didn't make his season debut until mid-February, and he was yanked from the rotation less than a month later. He did not appear in any of Denver's 14 postseason games.
