Nikola Jokic won’t extend contract!

Serbian triple MVP Nikola Jokic has informed the Denver Nuggets that he won’t sign a contract extension this summer, according to team sources. This decision, far from being concerning, is part of a calculated financial strategy that could pay off significantly.

Nikola Jokic has told the Nuggets he doesn’t plan to sign a contract extension this offseason, per @BennettDurando

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 8, 2025

A profitable financial strategy for the « Joker »

Jokic became eligible on Tuesday for a three-year extension worth an estimated $206 million, adding to his current supermax contract. However, by waiting until summer 2026, the 30-year-old center could secure approximately $80 million more.

Nuggets executives anticipated this decision. « We will definitely make him an offer, » Josh Kroenke, KSE vice president, said last June. « I’m not sure he’ll accept it because we’ll also explain all the financial parameters to consider, depending on whether he signs now or later. To be completely transparent, this is how we’ve always operated, and then he can make the best decision for his family and himself. And we’ll support it. »

This situation poses no risk for Denver, as Jokic remains under guaranteed contract until 2027, with a player option for the 2027-2028 season. He will already earn $114.2 million over the next two years.

Denver strengthens its roster meanwhile

Coming off an exceptional season averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, Jokic became the third player in NBA history and the first center to average a triple-double for an entire season. He finished second in MVP voting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City.

After being eliminated in the conference semifinals against the Thunder last May, Jokic was direct in stating that Denver wasn’t strong enough to win the championship. He particularly noted that teams like Oklahoma City and Indiana had deeper benches.

The executives heard the message « loud and clear » according to Kroenke. Since then, the Nuggets have revamped their roster by adding Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr., while trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson. The team also starts the season with a new coach, David Adelman, and new front office leadership led by Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace.

This maximum extension will therefore wait until next summer, when Jokic will be 31 and potentially have even more leverage in negotiations if he leads Denver to a deep playoff run.