Despite being the winningest coach in franchise history and guiding the team to the 2023 championship, Michael Malone was fired by the Denver Nuggets. It was a stunning move considering the Nuggets had only three games left in the regular season when Malone and general manager Calvin Booth were fired.

Malone coached the Nuggets for 10 seasons and led the team to a title in 2023, the first in franchise history. David Adelman, an assistant on Malone's staff, took over as interim coach following the longtime coach's sudden departure. The Nuggets finish their regular season Sunday against the Houston Rockets as they battle for playoff positioning.

Michael Malone’s departure from the Denver Nuggets stirred controversy because it occurred before the NBA playoffs. Several days after his dismissal, Malone broke the ice, and he sent a message publicly for the first time since his exit.