DENVER – The Denver Nuggets face an unusual question this summer: Should they worry about Nikola Jokić’s contract talks dragging into next year? Bennett Durando of the Denver Post broke the news. He wrote, “Nikola Jokić has informed the Nuggets he will not sign a contract extension this offseason, team sources told The Denver Post.”
Should Nuggets Be Concerned By Nikola Jokić’s Contract Talks?
For now, the team doesn’t seem rattled. Jokić’s current supermax runs at least two more years, with a player option in 2027-28. He could lock in about $206 million more if he signed now. But by waiting, he stands to gain roughly $80 million extra.
As Josh Kroenke said in June, “We’re definitely going to offer it. I’m not sure if he’s going to accept it or not…Then he makes the best decision for himself and his family, and we’ll support him in it.”
The Nuggets trust him. But Nikola Jokić delaying contract talks still casts a longer shadow than the front office might admit.
The Context: Jokić’s Dominance Is Clear
Jokić remains the engine that drives everything in Denver. Last season, he averaged an absurd 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. That made him the first center to average a triple-double for a full year.
He nearly won a fourth MVP, finishing behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s the first player since Larry Bird to finish top-two in MVP voting five years straight.
Nikola Jokić delaying contract talks could worry Denver since he openly challenged the team’s championship core after another early playoff exit. He questioned the team’s depth compared to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Roster Shuffles Answer His Concerns
Denver’s front office listened. The Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson. They brought back Bruce Brown, who helped win the 2023 title. They signed Tim Hardaway Jr. and traded for Jonas Valančiūnas — though Valančiūnas might head to Greece to join Panathinaikos.
This reshuffle is the Nuggets’ way to show Jokić they heard him loud and clear. Nikola Jokić’s contract talks can wait, but only if Denver convinces him they’re serious about staying in title contention.
The Risk Beneath the Calm
On paper, Jokić delaying an extension looks like smart business. More money waits if he holds off. But two straight second-round exits signal risk. If the Nuggets stagnate, does he grow impatient? The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to pounce with their projected cap space in 2027 when Jokić can reject his $62.8 million player option.
The Nuggets can’t afford another early flameout. New head coach David Adelman and the new front office — Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace — step into a pressurized situation. They must balance Jokić’s happiness and keep the roster championship-ready.
Nikola Jokić’s contract talks will linger all season. Like many European superstars, he wants to stay with one team. Still, everything can shift overnight.
Bottom Line: No Panic Yet, But Clock Is Ticking
Jokić loves Denver. The city adores him. The Nuggets trust him. But the NBA moves fast. If Denver wants the Nikola Jokić contract talks to close on their terms, they must prove now that this roster can chase another parade.
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