The Denver Nuggets have built their success around one irreplaceable talent: Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP remains under contract through 2027 with a player option in 2028 – but a pivotal decision looms.
Rather than locking in a three-year, $206million extension this summer, Jokic has reportedly informed management he will wait until next year to negotiate, a move that signals financial foresight but injects some roster uncertainty.
According to ESPN, Jokic will postpone extension talks until the summer of 2026, despite being eligible now for a three-year, $206.4m offer. By delaying, he positions himself to pursue a four-year supremely lucrative deal, potentially worth $285m – an estimated $80m increase with an extra year of security.
The Nuggets are not surprised by the decision; President Josh Kroenke confirmed that while an extension will be offered, the team fully supports whatever choice is best for Jokic and his family.
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Nuggets sweat over Jokic choice
This isn’t hesitation-it’s strategic positioning. In an era where the salary cap and media markets shift rapidly, maximizing both timeline and compensation reflects confidence and savvy.
And for Denver, the decision creates breathing room to explore roster tweaks with the assurance that their cornerstone remains committed-for now.
Jokic’s choice comes amid a flurry of front office movement. The Nuggets replaced longtime head coach Michael Malone with David Adelman and reshuffled personnel-adding Jonas Valaninas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., while moving Michael Porter Jr. to Houston.
Even amidst these shifts, a Denver executive emphasized, “No worry at all… it’s the smart move from his side,” noting that the situation highlights flexibility, not fragility.
With Jokic firmly in place for at least two more seasons until 2027, the Nuggets can still aim for the playoffs and contending status. His decision doesn’t shift current ambitions-but it does raise the stakes for what next offseason’s extension could look like.
Is Jokic worth it?
Jokic has proven himself as one of the most efficient, versatile stars the league has seen: averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists last season, with playoff dominance that included leading in nearly every statistical category.
He’s also the rare superstar who blends humbleness with elite production-and now he’s reminding the NBA that patience is power. The delay may raise questions-but long term? It could redefine what an MVP’s worth looks like.
With Jokic deferring, Denver retains flexibility, fans wait for clarity, and the NBA watches closely. Either way, it’s shaping up to be one of the most compelling contract sagas in recent years.
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