Nikola Jokić Declines Extension But Vows Loyalty—What’s Next for the Nuggets’ Future?

Nikola Jokić isn’t just another superstar pondering his next big payday—this offseason, he faced a cool $80 million reason to hold off on locking in a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets. As he steps into the third year of his colossal five-year, $276 million deal, the stakes couldn’t be higher. At Nuggets media day, Jokić touched on his future without giving a straight-up yes or no about signing an extension next summer. But make no mistake—his heart seems anchored in Denver. “My plan is to be a Nugget forever,” he said, sprinkling a bit of mystery around his exact timeline. What’s crystal clear is that patience might pay off even bigger for the three-time MVP, who’s eyeing an even heftier contract by holding steady for another year. Meanwhile, Denver’s reshaped roster is buzzing with fresh energy, hopeful to bounce back stronger and chase more glory while their star center’s prime years shine bright. LEARN MORE.

Nikola Jokić had roughly 80 million reasons this offseason to not sign a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets.

On Monday, he addressed his long-term plans at Nuggets media day as he approaches the third year of a five-year, $276 million supermax contract. Jokić declined to answer directly if he intends to sign an extension next offseason. But he did address his long-term plans.

“My plan is to be a Nugget forever,” Jokić said.

As for the direct topic of a extension next summer, Jokić offered a more roundabout response.

“I mean, I don’t think about it,” Jokić said. “I think those contract extensions come as a reward, as something that is natural to the sport. Especially in today’s NBA how you see how the salary cap is growing and everything.”

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Jokić is expected to sign extension

There’s little to fear here for Nuggets fans. Jokić, 30, is signed through the 2026-27 season and has a player option for 2027-28. He was first eligible this offseason to sign a three-year, $212 million extension, but declined. The reason? He stands to secure a lot more money by waiting until next offseason to sign an extension.

Per multiple reports, Jokić stands to earn roughly $80 million more by waiting until next offseason to sign an extension. Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke has made clear that the team intends to offer him an extension. Because why wouldn’t they? He’s a three-time MVP in his prime.

And there’s little to indicate that Jokić has any reason to turn that kind of money down. The Nuggets, meanwhile, are coming of a second-round playoff exit with a retooled roster in hopes of returning to championship contention.

Nuggets made moves to stay in contention around Jokić

Two seasons removed from the franchise’s first NBA championship, the Nuggets hit a rough patch last season that resulted in the late-season dismissal of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. The Nuggets entered the playoffs with then-interim head coach David Adelman.

They were competitive in their second-round playoff series against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder, but ultimately saw significant roster deficiencies exposed in a Game 7 loss.

Since then, the Nuggets have made Adelman their full-time coach. And they made substantial roster moves under front-office tandem Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace to address the depth, defense and shooting flaws from last year’s team.

Gone is talented, but oft-injured wing Michael Porter Jr., who was frequently a defensive liability. The Nuggets acquired sharpshooting wing Cam Johnson in return for Porter in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets that also freed up salary cap space to address their depth shortcomings.

They’ve since reunited with wing defender Bruce Brown, who played a vital role on Denver’s 2022-23 championship team. They’ve also added more shooting in veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and much-needed post relief for Jokić in trading for center Jonas Valančiūnas.

The Nuggets will also have 2024 first-round pick DaRon Holmes, who missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon. It added up to a hopeful offseason in Denver as the Nuggets made clear that they intend to continue to compete for championships around Jokić’s prime.

Jokić addressed the roster moves on Monday.

“Bruce is back. We won with him. Need to save his career again,” Jokić joked. “We have Cam and Jonas — we have a bunch of new guys. We have Holmes healthy.

“We’ll see. It’s a new energy, new beginning for us. Hopefully we can do something.”