Nikola Jokic postpones his contract extension with the Denver Nuggets
The Colorado team's star has decided to postpone his decision until 2027
Nikola Jokic has cleared any doubts about his future in the NBA. The Serbian center stated that his intention is still to continue with the Denver Nuggets and finish his career with the only franchise he has played for, although he confirmed that he will wait one more year before signing a contract extension.
"My idea and my desire is to stay in Denver. I will probably sign next year. My wish is to play the rest of my life in Denver," Jokic said to Serbian media after a FIBA World Cup qualifying game.
The three-time NBA MVP is under contract with the Nuggets for the next two seasons, although the final season is a player option. Since June 14, he could have negotiated a maximum extension of four years and $278 million, but he has decided to postpone that signing.
The reason is purely financial. If he waits until the summer of 2027, Jokic can access a five-year, $359.5 million free agent contract, which would be the largest contract in NBA history. If that agreement materializes, his career earnings would surpass $724 million.
This is not the first time the Serbian has delayed a renewal. Last summer, he also had the opportunity to extend his link with Denver through a three-year, $200 million contract offer, which he similarly chose to let pass.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets' summer market has been relatively discreet. The franchise has added guard Tyus Jones and center Marvin Bagley III, but has lost Tim Hardaway Jr., who will continue his career with the Miami Heat. Additionally, Denver has not yet reached an agreement with restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones.
Jokic's Numbers
On the sports front, Jokic once again had an outstanding season. The center finished second in the MVP voting for the second consecutive year, only surpassed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averaged 27.7 points per game with a 56.9% field goal percentage, leading the NBA in both rebounds (12.9) and assists (10.7), completing the second career triple-double average.
However, the Serbian's great individual performance was not enough to prevent collective disappointment. The Nuggets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves and have not advanced past the second round since winning their first championship ring in 2023.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Nikola Jokic aplaza su renovación con Denver Nuggets
