Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic shares how much longer he wants to play with his teammate Jamal Murray
The Denver Nuggets have an all-time great in their hands with Nikola Jokic, who could end up as a Top 10 player of all-time given his current pace when it's all said and done. It's highly unlikely the Nuggets will have any player close to his level of talent for over a decade after he leaves, so they have to capitalize on what they have now.
That's why the team went all in during the 2025 offseason, bringing in Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas, and Cam Johnson to improve the quality of the team around Jokic. However, the biggest addition alongside Jokic has been the improvement of Jamal Murray, who is playing at an All-NBA level now.
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic's Pairing
Murray has always been a quality player, but it hasn't been until this season that he's taken another step in his game. Regardless, Jokic and Murray simply win games together when they are on the floor, winning the NBA title together in 2023 over the Miami Heat.
In the first year of a four-year, $207.8 million max extension with the Nuggets, Murray is on the books with Denver through the 2028-29 season. Of course, anything could happen between now and then, but it's clear that Jokic likes what he has going with his star teammate.
"I mean, I would love it just because you know who you’re playing with. He cannot really surprise me. I know what he can do. So, the experience of playing for 10 years definitely helps. I want him here if they ask me," Jokic said.
Murray is actually under contract longer than Jokic, who has a player option for $62.8 million in 2027-28, which he could very well decline in order to secure a final long-term max contract with the Nuggets. Given his play style doesn't rely on elite athleticism, he should age fine if he avoids injuries.
Therefore, over the next couple of years, if the Nuggets want to drastically upgrade the roster, it might be best for them to keep Murray off the table, especially if moving him messes up their relationship with Jokic.
According to FanDuel, the Nuggets have the second-shortest odds to win the NBA title this season at +600, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anything can happen, but if Denver can get past Oklahoma City, there's a strong chance Jokic and Murray earn their second ring as a duo.