In a move that shocked no one, Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic informed the team he will not be signing a contract extension with them this offseason. The star center is signed through the 2026-2027 season with a player option for the following season. Jokic could have signed a three-year $212 million contract extension this offseason.
Cap specialists predict Jokic could make about $80 million more by waiting until next season to sign a contract extension. Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are coming off a strong regular season. After firing Head Coach Michael Malone late in the regular season, Denver took the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder to 7 seven games in the second round. Jokic finished second in NBA MVP voting. How will Jokic and the Denver Nuggets fare during the 2025-26 regular season?
Denver Nuggets Season Outlook
Denver has addressed its depth issues this offseason. They traded for Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas. Denver also signed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown. These moves have made Denver one of the top contenders in the Western Conference. Most importantly, the Denver Nuggets still have Jokic, one of the best players in the league, at the peak of his powers. Whenever that is the case, Denver can never be counted out.
Final Thoughts
The Denver Nuggets will give Jokic his much-deserved contract extension next offseason. Whenever he signs on the dotted line, it will be a bargain for the team. The value he brings to the franchise cannot be measured by a paycheck. He is the heartbeat of the franchise.
