Nikola Jokic is expected to sign an extension with the Nuggets this summer, ESPN’s Shams Charania stated Friday in an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show (YouTube link, hat tip to RealGM).
The three-time MVP was clear about his intentions after his team was eliminated by Minnesota, twice telling reporters, “I still want to be a Nugget forever.” While other changes may take place in Denver during the offseason, Charania expects the organization to solidify Jokic as its long-term centerpiece.
“I will tell you, the Denver Nuggets, from their top brass on down to that organization, they believe Nicole Jokic at his word. He wants to be there,” Charania said. “This is not a situation where he’s talking about potentially leaving or looking elsewhere. Or saying ‘Hey, I need you guys to do this. I need you guys to do that.’ He’s very, very internally and externally ‘I’m here, no matter what, I’m re-signing.'”
Jokic has two years left on his current deal, which includes a $62.8MM player option for 2027/28. He would have the equivalent of an expiring contract if an extension agreement isn’t reached by October, so there’s a sense of urgency to work out a new deal. A maximum extension would begin at 35% of the ’27/28 salary cap and would tentatively be worth about $285MM over four years, based on a projected $165MM cap in ’26/27 and a 10% increase the following year.
Jokic turned down a three-year, maximum-salary extension offer last summer in expectation of landing a longer and more lucrative contract.
The 31-year-old big man is coming off another MVP-level season, averaging 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 65 games and leading the league in both rebounding and assists. Although he averaged nearly a triple double in the playoff series against Minnesota, he shot just 44.6% from the field and 19.4% from three-point range, and the Nuggets were outscored during his time on the court.
The first-round loss and an expensive roster will probably alter the supporting cast around Jokic by the time training camp opens. Peyton Watson will be one of the top restricted free agents on the market this summer, and the team will have to clear out other salary to be able to re-sign him without going into second-apron territory. Cameron Johnson, who is entering the final year of his contract at $23MM, has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate.
“But there are going to be changes in Denver,” Charania said. “I don’t know how much, but there’s going to be some level of change. Whether that’s tinkering a couple players around … But they are so strapped financially moving forward in whether it’s the tax, whether it’s approaching the aprons, that there’s going to be a lot of conversations about players on this roster.”
Led the nba in rebounds and assists.
Center being assists leader must be very rare
Wilt did it better
So those comparing him to Giannis was just proven wrong. Jokic staying loyal while Giannis using extension to make Bucks do what he wants.
Hold out on that 3 year $212m deal for more money.
70 million a year isn’t enough? Insane.
Not when your uncle is in bed with the mob
Ah, unfounded statement! And you are usually so even-keeled WASH. And even if his dad is the new Al Capone, what is it to do with basketball? I’ll bet you thought Bill Walton was a communist because he hung out with Jack Scott.
Look into it brother… pretty sick stuff.
We’re not far away from superstar contracts set at a million bucks per game, and that would be if he plays all 82 games. $70MM+ is very possibly a million a game…
like to see more contracts constructed like zions. not the weight thing, just games played to earn your salary. maybe a percentage of your game checks for when you’re injured.
Nuggets have hard decisions to make.
What the Nuggets should do:
Re-sign Jokic.
Trade Murray.
Trade Gordon.
I don’t know how good they are at drafting but I don’t think Joker or Jamal were top picks. They may have to take a bad year to recuperate. But Gordon and Murray’s health are just too unpredictable. Jokic even missed some games. No need to become the 76ers of the west. Jamal’s best moments are behind him. Even when he is out there, he ain’t the same. Jokic has the will to win. Yes, he could play defense for a change, but I think they need some serious defenders around him first.
See who bites on Murray or Gordon. Cut some salary that way, but most of all they need someone scouting that knows rookies or bench players well, who could be a “steal” like Jokic was for them or at least blossom into a #2 guy. Murray’s problem was he had flashes and a string of games doing #1 guy heroics, but it’s always been Jokic.
If Nikola declines severely, it’ll be toward the end of his new deal this summer, 35 years old or so.
But Jokic played his heart out. Scoring so shrewdly on Gobert like he did and the fire he had being frustrated. The “horses” narrative is funny but he is passionate. Murray can be, but he can’t stay on the court.
Snag a point guard that can blossom, get some 3-and-D guys, get bigger bodies, get a serious backup C or a stretch 4. But on cheaper deals.