Nikola Jokić Plans to Stay with Nuggets

Nikola Jokić expresses his desire to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets, aiming to spend his entire career with the team.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokić recently shared his intentions with reporters in Belgrade, Serbia, stating that he plans to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets next summer. The superstar from the Mile High City has made it clear in the past, including a statement made in late April expressing his desire to be “a Nugget forever.”

At 31 years old, Jokić has one guaranteed season left on his current contract, which includes a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. According to league sources close to Jokić, he aims to wait before signing his next contract to secure an additional year of maximum earnings, which could amount to roughly $80 million. Currently, if he chose to sign this offseason, his deal would extend only until the 2030-31 season.

Sources indicate that a five-year contract signed next summer would carry through until the 2031-32 campaign, when Jokić would be 37 years old. The prospect of securing a lucrative payday in his late 30s significantly influences his decision-making process. Jokić could sign a four-year, $278 million extension now, or a three-year, $214 million extension if he opts into the $62.8 million for the upcoming season.

After Serbia’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in a FIBA World Cup qualifying match, Jokić expressed, “My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career.” He elaborated on the business aspect of his decision, stating, “It’s on them if they want me.” The smile on his face during this declaration suggested that both he and the Nuggets organization might feel some relief, given the potential tension surrounding contract negotiations if his intentions had not been clarified.

Jokić’s consistent messaging about his commitment to Denver is a source of optimism for the fan base, which views him as intrinsic to the team’s future success.