The Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic are facing speculation after details emerged about a discreet meeting between LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and Jokic‘s agent.
That meeting, captured via social media, has sparked intense debate over the Nuggets‘ franchise stability and Jokic’s longterm plans.
Yesterday, Misko Raznatovic, the agent representing Jokic, posted a photo showing himself aboard a yacht with LeBron James and Carter. The caption read:
“The summer of 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for the fall of 2026!”
The timing, and the highprofile company, fueled rumors that LeBron might consider joining the Nuggets when free agency arrives in 2026.
LeBron has opted into his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season, likely marking his final year in Los Angeles.
NBA insiders suggest that if he leaves, it could be for a contender like Denver, which could accommodate his salary while offering a realistic championship opportunity.
For Denver, such speculation has added pressure regarding Jokic‘s future. The franchise, which has built around the threetime MVP, may face a turning point soon.
Raznatovic‘s Instagram post, though vague, implies broader ambitions beyond Jokic’s playing career.
While fans assumed the meeting centered on LeBron‘s NBA future, insiders clarify the spotlight may instead belong to a new global basketball league reportedly backed by James and Carter.
That league could launch in fall 2026, and Jokic’s involvement, as investor or partner, remains uncertain.
Jokic’s personal passions cloud his NBA horizon
Former teammate DeMarcus Cousins recounted an offseason conversation in which Jokic floated the idea of early retirement. “I honestly think [Nikola Jokic] might retire after this contract,” Cousins recalled.
Jokic apparently yearns to return to Serbia and care for his horses: “He said, ‘I just want to go lay in my valley with my horses.'” Cousins warned: “Man, you out your m, , , , mind! Sign the contract … Don’t jazz up on the $300 million, bro. Get more horses!”
Jokic’s bond with harness racing runs deep. In 2025, his prized horse Demon Dell’Est pulled off a shocker in Serbia’s biggest harness race, the Duzijanac.
Jokic didn’t just watch, he sprinted onto the track with champagne in hand, lifted the driver in celebration and even shed tears.
These contrasting emotional priorities highlight why many analysts call basketball Jokic’s “side gig,” a term captured in recent coverage: “The NBA is just a side gig”.
His lack of attachment to hoops and deep emotional investment in horse racing fuel speculation about his longterm commitment to the Nuggets.
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