NBA Rumors: Could Nikola Jokic leave the Denver Nuggets?

About a year ago, things started to go sideways for the Denver Nuggets. The team posted a modest 8-7 record in March, and a season that seemed destined for the title began to crumble due to inconsistency in effort, defensive issues, and internal tensions within the organization. As a result, in April, the franchise decided to dismiss coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth.

Nevertheless, Denver reacted in the playoffs and pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to a seventh game in the second round, who would ultimately become champions. However, doubts arose after the elimination when Nikola Jokic opted not to sign a contract extension.

The main reason was financial. At that time, he could have signed a three-year extension for around 212 million dollars, but by waiting another year, he could add an extra season and approximately 81 million more, making it more reasonable to postpone the decision.

As is common in the NBA, the wait fueled rumors. His friend Luka Dončić had just been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, who were planning to maintain salary cap space for the summer of 2027. At the same time, Giannis Antetokounmpo was going through a rough patch with the Milwaukee Bucks and could also become a free agent in 2027. Adding to this, market-dominant franchises like the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, or Miami Heat were reserving cap space, opening up multiple scenarios if the Serbian decided to explore the market.

“I want to be a Nugget forever”

Jokić dismissed those speculations back in October, stating he wanted to be “a Nugget forever” and reiterated that idea in an interview with the X&O’s CHAT podcast. In translated remarks from Serbian, he made it clear that he couldn’t envision himself playing for another team.

When asked if he could see himself in a different jersey, he replied that he preferred not to imagine it. While Antetokounmpo has openly spoken about his desire to win another championship even if it means switching teams, Jokić explained that for him, winning titles with the group he has in Denver holds more value, even if they don’t win again.

The center also emphasized that his connection with the city goes beyond sports. He stated that he found peace in Denver, where his two children were born, considering the place his home. In his own words, he feels he has built his life there and doesn’t feel the need to leave because the team has achieved something significant together.

Jokić has a guaranteed contract until the 2026-27 season and a player option of 62.8 million for the 2027-28 campaign. A year ago, it seemed clear he would decline that option to sign a new contract at 35% of a higher salary cap, but forecasts have changed.

As reported by Bobby Marks, the salary cap could grow by 7% annually instead of the expected 10%, which might make executing that option and signing a later extension even more profitable. The economic difference wouldn’t be substantial: instead of the initially projected 293 million, the total between 2027-28 and 2030-31 would be around 282 million, pending final figures.

In terms of sports, Jokić remains the cornerstone of the Nuggets. An injury suffered during the season could prevent him from seriously contending for his fourth MVP — currently he has the second best odds—, but the team holds a 39-25 record and is well-positioned to secure at least a top-six spot in the West despite the numerous physical issues in the squad. If the team manages to regain players’ fitness, Denver will continue to have a chance to compete for the second ring of the Jokić era.

Whether the team wins the championship or not, the Serbian is in a position to sign a very lucrative contract if he chooses to extend this summer. And, despite speculations about potential partnerships with other stars, the player himself has reiterated his intention to stay with the only team he’s ever played for in the NBA. Everything points, once again, to Jokić wanting to be a Nugget for life.