Nikola Jokic intends to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic has assured Denver Nuggets fans that he will be back next season and for the foreseeable future.
Jokic has delayed signing a contract extension with the Nuggets for the last two offseasons, but will become eligible to sign a five-year, $359.5 million extension next offseason, assuming he declines his player option worth $62 million.
At Nuggets media day, when asked about the looming extension and if it would be a distraction on the season, Jokic quickly said, “I’m going to sign next year.”
After a brief pause, he joked, “If they’ll have me.”
That likely won’t be an issue for the Nuggets.
Turning Down Extensions
Jokic could’ve signed a three-year, $200 million extension in 2025 or a four-year, $278 million extension in 2026, but passed on both to maximize his earnings in 2027.
In the last two offseasons, he’s made it clear that he intends to re-sign with the Nuggets, which should put the fanbase at ease.
Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million deal that began in the 2023-24 season. The deal that he signs in the 2027 offseason would be the richest deal in league history.
He’s earned every penny, going from a second-round pick to a three-time MVP, and three-time runner-up, an NBA Champion, and a Finals MVP.
He’s been widely considered to be the best player in the league over the last five years as he’s redefined the center position with his passing and efficiency.
A Big Season For Denver
While Jokic has made it clear that he intends to re-sign, the pressure is on the Nuggets to perform.
After winning a championship in 2023, they have lost in the first or second round in the last three seasons, including a first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves this past season. Denver is one of the most expensive teams in the league and is still in the second apron.
Ownership is willing to pay for championship-level teams. They become less willing to pay for teams that aren’t performing. There is no risk of Jokic going anywhere unless he asks out, but other players are at risk of being moved if the season doesn’t go how Denver hopes.
Jokic making it clear that he intends to re-sign should eliminate one distraction, although it’ll still be a talking point if the team slides down the standings, but it’s one of the biggest seasons in the history of the franchise if the core is to be kept together.
