Jokić’s Contract Extension Decision
Denver Nuggets supporters need not worry about their superstar, Nikola Jokić, as he opts against signing a contract extension this offseason, a decision reported by the Denver Post. The reasoning behind this move is quite logical: waiting until 2026 could yield him an additional $80 million in guaranteed earnings.
Current Contract Status
This summer marks the first time Jokić is eligible for an extension on his existing five-year, $276 million supermax contract, which is set to last until the conclusion of the 2027-28 season. A player option exists for the final year, ensuring he is tied to the Nuggets at least through the end of the 2026-27 season.
While Jokić could secure a three-year extension worth approximately $212 million (averaging $70.6 million annually) now, sources suggest that the financial advantage of postponing this decision for another year is significant. If he waits, it is expected that he could not only gain an extra year in the extension but also around $80 million more in total compensation.
Organizational Support
Nuggets’ governor, Josh Kroenke, had anticipated Jokić’s decision, having discussed it with the media back in June. He openly stated,
“We’re definitely going to offer it. I’m not sure if he’s going to accept it or not, but we will explain the financial implications of signing now versus later.”
This transparency is part of the organization’s commitment to supporting Jokić in making a decision that best serves him and his family.
Jokić’s Achievements and Team Dynamics
At 30 years old, Jokić is a celebrated three-time MVP and played a pivotal role in securing the Nuggets’ first-ever NBA championship in 2023. His recent season was marked by outstanding performance, as he came second in MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The discussions around his contract extension arise during a transformative offseason for the Nuggets, characterized by the appointment of a new head coach and a reshuffling of the front office following the dismissal of Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth last season. With David Adelman taking over as head coach, the Nuggets engaged in a tough playoff battle against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which revealed weaknesses in their roster.
Roster Changes and Future Prospects
To address these shortcomings and retain Jokić for the long haul, the new executive vice presidents, Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace, have been proactive in rebuilding the team’s roster. Recent trades, including moving Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson, have provided financial flexibility to remedy the team’s depth issues. This strategy includes re-signing wing defender Bruce Brown, boosting their shooting by adding guard Tim Hardaway Jr., and acquiring center Jonas Valančiūnas to support Jokić in the post — although his participation with Denver remains in question due to international interest.
All these actions reflect the Nuggets’ commitment to competing for another championship while hoping to influence Jokić’s decision to extend his time with the franchise next summer.
