Nikola Jokic reportedly declined a contract extension from the Denver Nuggets this offseason. However, the team is not feeling bad about it, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac.
“No worry at all. It’s the smart move from his side, if I’m being honest,” a Denver Nuggets exec said. “He can lock in an extra year next year, which is the way to do it when you are in his position. Same offer, plus one more year, will be there for him a year from now. He knows that, and we’re all on the same page.”
Even before Jokic became eligible for the contract extension this summer, Denver Nuggets CEO Josh Kroenke expected the three-time league MVP to decline it due to the financial implications.
After rejecting a three-year, $212 million extension, Jokic will enter the 2025-26 campaign with three years and $177 million left on his contract, including the $62.8 million player option for 2027-28. He can sign a more lucrative extension next offseason, where he can command a four-year, $300 million deal.
Denver Nuggets Rumors: Nikola Jokic isn’t expected to leave the team anytime soon
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Nikola Jokic’s refusal to sign a contract extension this offseason doesn’t mean he’ll leave the Denver Nuggets anytime soon. However, this also means that the team shouldn’t be complacent about maximizing his prime years.
“If the upcoming season doesn’t go well for Denver, you can’t discount how that might influence his choices. Sure, waiting allows him to sign a longer, four-year extension with a higher total value, and it might even be strategically better aligned with his future contract negotiations once he’s older,” Amick said on Sactown Sports 1140.
“So there are plenty of valid reasons why he might hold off signing now. But it’s worth remembering that the Nuggets are coming off a year where they changed their coach and general manager, and while they did make it to the second round of the playoffs, the front office and players alike are aiming for championships,” he added.
