We value Michael’s contributions to our success over the past ten years and his efforts to maintain our position as one of the best clubs in the Western Conference. His impact in Denver will endure for many years as a Hall of Fame coach. I have the utmost regard for George, both as a coach and as an icon in the sport of basketball.

With only one year remaining on Karl’s current contract, the Nuggets made the decision to part ways with the man who has guided them as head coach since the 2004–05 campaign, as Wojnarowski noted in a different article. According to Wojnarowski, Karl asked for an extension, but ownership wasn’t ready to give him a long-term commitment.

According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com, general manager Masai Ujiri’s move to the Toronto Raptors may have also played a role in this divorce, as Karl’s fate remained unclear following his departure.

Karl made news lately when he led the Nuggets to a 57-25 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, earning him the NBA’s Coach of the Year Award for the first time in his lengthy and distinguished career.

However, even though the Nuggets qualified for the postseason each season under Karl, they only went past the first round once, reaching the conference finals in 2009. They lost badly to the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs this year.

Andre Iguodala, meanwhile, expressed uncertainty about how this might affect his upcoming free agency with TNT’s David Aldridge.

Karl’s situation was attributed to false expectations by Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Wojnarowski reports that Denver will ask for permission to speak with Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins and Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw on the head coaching post.

Regarding Karl, there are several coaching openings in the league, and he ought to be a popular pick to take one this summer.