Details on the future of Nikola Jokic with the Denver Nuggets.
The Denver Nuggets saw their season end in the first round, losing in six games to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Given the expectations for Denver coming into the season, a first round exit was a disappointing end for the team. Heading into the offseason, questions about the future of the roster will be presented as the front office figures out a way to continue to build around Nikola Jokic to maximize his remaining years as one of the best players in the world.
Jokic will be 32 years old next season, the final season of his contract before he has a decision to make on his player option in the 2027 offseason.
He is able to sign an extension this upcoming offseason.
Jokic's Future In Denver
According to ESPN reporter Sham Charnia, the Nuggets believe Jokic will remain with the team moving forward.
“They believe Nikola Jokic at his word. He wants to be there. This is not a situation where he’s talking about potentially leaving or looking elsewhere, saying I need you guys to do this and that. He’s very internally and externally ‘I’m here, no matter what. I’m re-signing.’ But there are going to be changes in Denver," said Shams.
Denver can offer Jokic a four-year, $278 million maximum contract extension this offseason.
Following Denver's loss in game six, Jokic repeated that he wanted to be a Denver Nugget forever.
Jokic turned down a three-year, $212 million extension offer last offseason with the expectation of landing a longer and more lucrative deal this upcoming offseason.
Denver is the only team Jokic has ever played for, being drafted 41st overall in 2014. He has won three MVPs, one NBA Championship, and one Finals MVP with the team, but has failed to advance past the second round since winning the title in 2023.
Denver's Future
There are many questions surrounding the future of the Nuggets after a disappointing end against a shorthanded Timberwolves squad.
Head coach David Adelman has often come under scrutiny since he took over for Michael Malone at the end of the 2025 season.
Denver traded Michael Porter Jr for Cameron Johnson in the offseason, a move that looked to be an upgrade on paper, but Johnson struggled throughout the year and underperformed in the playoffs.
Aaron Gordon, despite being one of the most impactful players for the Nuggets, has been injured the last two seasons during the playoffs.
Christian Braun was invisible during the playoffs, and his five-year deal worth $125 million is set to begin next season.
Peyton Watson became one of Denver's best players during the regular season, but was injured during the playoffs. He is a restricted free agent this offseason.
Denver upgraded their bench in the offseason with Tyus Jones, Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr, but none were as impactful as the team had hopes when it mattered most.