For two seasons now, Nikola Jokic has delayed signing a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets.

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.

He is eligible to sign a five-year, $359.5 million deal in the 2027 offseason, which would be the richest contract in league history. He has a player option worth $62 million that he would have to decline in order to sign that contract.

Jokic has been clear that he intends to sign the deal when it presents itself following the 2026-27 season.

According to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, he spoke with league sources and said that no one expects Jokic to leave Denver.

Again, Jokic himself has said that he intends to remain with the Denver Nuggets, but wants to maximize his earnings, which is why he’s delayed his decision on re-signing.

Until Jokic officially puts pen to paper, nothing is guaranteed, and it’s possible that the season goes sideways and Jokic begins to look at other opportunities around the league.

The Nuggets hold Jokic’s Bird Rights, which means they are the only team that can sign him to a five-year deal. Other teams can only offer a four-year max deal, and they would need to clear cap space to make that happen, unless they pull off a trade during the season.

Denver fans will no doubt express concern until it’s actually done, but hopefully Jokic’s media day comments, where he once again stated that he intends to sign the contract next offseason, will put minds at ease.

Of course, a lot can change over the course of a season in the NBA, and if the Nuggets have a disappointing year or another early playoff exit, will that change his mind?

It’s an important season for Denver, not only with Jokic’s extension looming, but because of their cap situation in general. Being in the second apron currently and paying a hefty luxury tax bill isn’t going to be any easier to swallow with Jokic’s new deal, and if the team is underperforming based on expectations.

Ownership might be willing to spend for a championship team. They won’t be willing to spend for a team that fails to get out of the second round in four straight seasons.

The story will be worth keeping an eye on all season, but in the end, Jokic should remain in Denver.