Nikola Jokic appears certain about where he wants to continue playing, but uncertain about when to sign his next major contract. The Serbian center has made clear his desire to stay with the Denver Nuggets, though he has decided to delay signing a potential extension until 2027.
The three-time NBA MVP explained to Serbian media that his intention is to remain tied to the Colorado franchise and that, if everything goes as planned, he will sign later. His message was clear: he wants to stay in Denver and sees it as the ideal place to complete his career.
The decision, more than sporting, has an economic rationale. Jokic was already able to negotiate a maximum extension of four years and $278 million, but waiting another year would open the door to an even larger contract: up to five years and $359.5 million, a figure that could become the highest in NBA history.
Denver, therefore, is not viewing the situation as an immediate threat. The player maintains his commitment to the franchise and still has an active contract, though the final year is a player option. The key will come in 2027, when the Serbian star can sit down to negotiate from a much more favorable economic position.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets continue adjusting their roster to remain among the Western Conference contenders. Jokic's future does not appear to be far from Denver, but his extension will have to wait.