NBA Rumors: Lakers, Celtics, and Warriors vie for Nikola Jokic
The best player in recent years could end up leaving the Denver Nuggets and heading to Los Angeles, Boston, or Golden State, three of the main franchises in the league.
Thinking about a departure of Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets seems, as of today, a remote possibility. However, the NBA landscape has shown in recent years that seemingly impossible situations can end up becoming reality. Four years ago, it seemed unthinkable that Giannis Antetokounmpo would leave Milwaukee, and just two years ago the same was true for Jaylen Brown in Boston.
Meanwhile, Jokic is taking his time with his contractual future. The Serbian plans to wait until next summer to sign an extension with Denver, a decision that is already causing some concern in the city.
During a conversation with journalist Katy Winge on Altitude 92.5 FM, host Darren McKee reflected the sentiments of part of the fanbase.
"It would be crazy. An entire year without signing an extension? People would lose their minds," he stated.
A different management model in the Nuggets
Denver's sports structure also comes into play. The franchise does not have a traditional general manager, but rather a shared management model.
Ben Tenzer serves as executive vice president of basketball operations, while Jonathan Wallace holds the position of executive vice president of player personnel.
According to the text, this unusual structure could become a disadvantage if the organization ever considers trading Jokic. With no single person responsible for sporting decisions, a move of that magnitude would dilute responsibilities in case of failure.
The Lakers, linked by the relationship between Jokic and Luka Doncic
If Jokic were ever put on the trading market, the Los Angeles Lakers appear as one of the teams that could attempt the operation.
The main reason is the good relationship between Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, who have previously expressed their desire to play together.
Just this week, in a viral video, Doncic was asked by Klemen Kopina about his ideal partner for a two-on-two game. The Slovenian chose Jokic ahead of players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Kevin Durant, Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or LeBron James.
However, the Lakers have few arguments to present an attractive offer. After acquiring center Walker Kessler, the franchise does not have any tradable first-round picks for the next seven years.
Boston also among the potential suitors
The Boston Celtics are another team linked to a hypothetical move for Jokic.
The president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, and the new team owner, Bill Chisholm, are under pressure following the controversial trade of Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers.
In exchange for that deal, Boston received two future first-round picks, in addition to keeping all their own draft selections, a capital that could be used to try to bring in a major star in the future.
Chisholm made clear this week what the franchise's priority is.
"The mandate I have given to Stevens is to win. We will spend whatever it takes to achieve it. The goal is to win," he stated during a press conference.
Golden State, ready to make a bold move if results don't arrive
The Golden State Warriors are also among the teams linked to Jokic.
With Stephen Curry now 38 years old, the franchise aims to try to win one last championship with their superstar.
If the Warriors fail to land LeBron James this summer and have another lackluster season — after falling to Phoenix in the Play-In last season — the text suggests that general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. could go all-in next summer.
So far, Dunleavy Jr. has been reluctant to trade Golden State's first-round picks, but for a player of Jokic's caliber, he would be willing to offer what is necessary. Additionally, early 2030s draft selections could hold significant value, as by then Curry will likely be retired, and the franchise could be in full rebuilding mode.
A trade remains highly unlikely
Despite all the speculation, the possibility of Denver ultimately trading Nikola Jokic is still considered very slim.
In fact, the text argues that, along with Stephen Curry, the Serbian is probably the player most likely to spend his entire career with a single franchise.
Katy Winge also wanted to convey a message of reassurance about the situation.
"Jokic has said time and again that he wants to be here. From what we know and have seen, the relationship between Nikola Jokic and the front office is as solid as it can be. They want him to stay here for as long as possible and will do whatever it takes to make him happy," she affirmed.
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