Nikola Jokić has delayed an extension, but Brian Windhorst doubts the Denver star is planning an exit.
Nikola Jokić’s decision to wait on a contract extension has raised questions about his future with the Denver Nuggets. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst doubts the three-time MVP is planning an exit.
“I don’t think Jokic wants to leave,” Windhorst said. He described the idea of Jokić plotting a departure as “totally out of his character and personality.”
Windhorst was offering his assessment of Jokić, not reporting that a new contract is imminent. Denver still needs to reach an agreement with the player who has defined its most successful era.
Apr 30, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets centerNikolaJokic(15) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesWaiting could mean a bigger contract
Jokić passed on an opportunity to sign a four-year extension worth up to $278 million. By waiting until next summer, he could become eligible for a five-year deal worth as much as $359 million. That difference offers a straightforward financial reason for his decision.
The delay also gives Jokić options. He holds a player option for the 2027-28 season and could enter unrestricted free agency if he declines it. Until he signs another deal, that possibility will keep his future in the conversation.
His value to Denver is easy to measure. Jokić averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists during the 2025-26 regular season.
He led the Nuggets as a scorer, rebounder and playmaker while averaging a triple-double. Replacing any one of those contributions would be difficult. Replacing all three would be a much larger problem.
Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets centerNikolaJokic(15) reacts towards the bench in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesNuggets must keep building around him
Denver selected Jokić with the 41st pick in the 2014 draft. He has since won three MVP awards and led the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023 and has been one of the best players in the league.
He has previously said he wants to spend his career in Denver.
The Nuggets’ recent playoff results give them reason to keep improving the roster around him. They have gone three consecutive seasons without reaching the Western Conference Finals.
Their 2026 postseason ended in a first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jokić produced 28 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists in the Game 6 defeat. Even that performance was not enough to extend Denver’s season. The result illustrates why keeping him requires attention to the rest of the team as well as his contract.
Windhorst sees little reason to interpret the unsigned extension as a secret exit plan. Jokić has a clear incentive to wait for a potentially larger deal, and his stated preference has been to remain in Denver. But neither point settles his future. The Nuggets have time to make their case by putting a team around him that can compete for another championship, then securing his signature when extension talks resume.
