Denver is very much different from that upcoming team they had. Porter now signed to a max and having medical issues. Jamal also out. They lost to a crappy Orlando team. Also missing from that really balanced and deep roster they had two years ago .. no more malik Beasley, Gary Harris, Torrey Craig, jerami grant, Paul Millsap and Mason plumlee. They shut the window on themselves with these injuries and players who walked or were traded.
Only problem with that premise is that Malk Beasley isn't that good, Garry Harris always injured which is why they traded him for Gordon, Torrey Craig isn't good either, Grant wanted out and turned down the offer Denver was willing to match, Millsap is old and Plumlee isn't that good either.
For whatever reason, Malone wants no part of giving Bol Bol to see what they actually have in him. It's exactly what happens when your timeline is accelerated and you don't have the time to do proper player development anymore. All contenders run into this situation for the most part.