The Denver Nuggets fired manager Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth on Tuesday.
David Adelman reportedly will become interim head coach, the team said.
The decision to fire Malone is shocking. The Nuggets are 47-32 this season, the second seed of the Western Conference and the Los Angeles Lakers' 1.5 games.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone will respond in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. (Image of Ron Chenoy-Immagn)
ESPN and NBA journalist Chris Haines first reported his fire.
The Nuggets only have three games left in the regular season before the playoffs begin. Denver has been struggling recently as he lost his last four games and won three of his last 10 games.
“It's not a joy to announce that Michael Malone has been released from his head coaching duties. David Adelman will assume the head coaching role for the remainder of the 2024-25 season,” the Nuggets said in a statement.
“This decision has not been underestimated and has been very carefully evaluated. We will do it solely with the aim of giving the group the best chance to take part in the 2025 NBA Championship and offer Denver and fans another title.”
ESPN's Jay Williams relaxes Lukadon Sic stock market dip after Trump's tariffs
Denver Nuggets manager Michael Malone congratulates center Nikola Jokic (15) on the Washington Wizard at Ball Arena in the fourth quarter. (Ron Chenoy-Usa Today Sports)
Malone coached the Nuggets for nearly 10 seasons, leading the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2023. Malone was 471-327 in the Nuggets career.
“I have no thanks for properly communicating his contributions since joining the franchise in 2015. I would like to thank Coach Malone for helping Denver deliver his first championship,” he said.
Booth was hired as assistant general manager in 2017, then promoted to general manager in 2020, and was general manager in 2023 when the team won the NBA title.
Click here to get the Fox News app
The Denver Nuggets will face the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena in the second quarter. (Image of Ron Chenoy-Immagn)
“I would like to thank Calbam Booth for leading the front office for the past three years. Most importantly, they set up the final piece on the roster that brought Denver and fans to the first NBA Championship,” the statement said.
“We are grateful for Calvin for eight years with the Nuggets and knows his place in Nuggets history as the GM who won the first championship will be respected for years to come.”
The Nuggets' next game will be played by the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday at 10pm ET.
Follow Fox News Digital's Sports Coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
