NBA superstar Nikola Jokic is currently eligible for a four-year, $280 million max contract extension, and the Nuggets would be more than happy to agree to terms right now. The only problem is, Jokic himself may not be ready to start the conversation.
According to the latest update out of Denver, the two-time NBA MVP is considering the idea of holding out on extension talks until next summer, the same decision he made one year ago. The Nuggets star currently has two years and $121 million on his contract (including a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28).
“Jokic informed the Nuggets around this time last year that he preferred to delay contract extension talks for another year,” reported Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. “The Stein Line has learned that it is under consideration again this summer:Â Electing to take the same step and holding off on extension talks. Of course, given the nature of the Nuggets’ early playoff exit and well-chronicled concerns about the potency of his supporting cast, unease in Denver is inevitable if Jokic decides to just persist with his current deal, which pays him $59 million next season before a $63 million player option in 2027-28.”
Jokic is, arguably, the best player in the league right now as a three-time MVP, NBA champion, and eight-time All-Star. This season, in 65 games, he averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game on 56.9% shooting and 38.0% shooting from three. His presence alone makes the Nuggets contenders in the West, but everyone knows that they are not quite on the level of elite Western teams like the Thunder, Timberwolves, and Spurs.
That’s why the Nuggets are dedicated to upgrading the roster this summer. Between rising competition and delayed extension talks, they must act now to prove they are in a position to compete at the highest levels.
“League sources say that the Nuggets, meanwhile, are indeed actively pursuing trades to try to strengthen their stars’ supporting cast. The pressure on them to deliver has undeniably been ramped up.”
If Jokic suddenly becomes available in the summer of 2027 (or 2028 if he opts in to his player option), it would trigger a massive bidding war to win over one of the most accomplished big men in modern NBA history. Practically every team would consider a pursuit, but it’s easy to see teams like the Lakers, Warriors, and Celtics make a move for a generational player.
Without Jokic, the Nuggets would have to start from scratch, setting them back to the pit of the Western standings to stock up on picks and young players. It would be a tragic turn for a relationship that was supposed to last until the end. So while the Joker has not dropped any public hints at a departure, his happiness is something the Nuggets cannot afford to risk.
The good news is, Denver still has time. With at least one more full season between now and potential free agency, the Nuggets can convince Jokic to stay if they create the ideal conditions for his success. They already found the formula in 2023, but there’s still a lot of work ahead to keep up with their competitors in the West.
