Nikola Jokic: "My plan is to play for the Nuggets forever"

In recent years, Denver Nuggets has become one of the best teams in the NBA. They won the title in 2023, and in the last two years, they fell in Conference Semifinals in seventh games. All thanks to their great star, Nikola Jokic, who has also emerged as the best player in the world.

In a time when NBA stars change teams relatively frequently in search of better projects or more lucrative contracts, Nikola Jokic continues to defy the trend. During Monday's Media Day, the two-time MVP and 2023 champion made it clear that he does not consider any scenario other than wearing the Denver Nuggets jersey for the rest of his career.

The 30-year-old Serbian center was questioned about his decision to reject the 3-year, $212 million contract extension that Denver offered him this preseason. Jokic explained that the decision is not due to doubts about the organization, but rather a strategic financial matter: by waiting until summer 2026 to sign, he could secure an additional $80 million thanks to salary cap rules and accumulated years of service.

"Those contract extensions are a reward, something natural in sports, especially in today's NBA with the salary cap. But my plan is to stay in Denver forever. This is my home," said Nikola Jokic.

Nikola Jokic, the old-fashioned way

Unlike other superstars who have pressured their teams with trade threats or free agency exits, Nikola Jokic has never been linked to rumors of leaving Colorado. His loyalty has become a symbol of stability within a franchise that, despite the turbulences of the past 2 years, remains a contender for the championship.

The Nuggets have been eliminated in the seventh game of the Western Conference Semifinals in the last two seasons, after winning the historic championship in 2023. To strengthen the roster, the management has added Bruce Brown Jr., Cam Johnson, Jonas Valanciunas, and Tim Hardaway Jr. this summer.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nikola Jokic: "Mi plan es jugar en los Nuggets para siempre"