The Denver Nuggets may have some uncertainty surrounding the future of their franchise superstar.
According to NBA insider Tim Kawakami, Nikola Jokić’s decision to sign a long-term contract extension with Denver is not guaranteed, despite expectations that the three-time NBA MVP will ultimately remain with the organization.
“I’ve been hearing this for a little while. It’s an open thing. It’s an open thing. He’s very likely to go back to Denver, but it’s an open thing. There’s nothing guaranteed about him going back to sign a long extension with Denver,” Kawakami said.
The comments came during an appearance on The TK Show and have added another layer of intrigue to Jokić’s contract situation.
Jokić Turned Down a Massive Extension
Jokić declined a four-year, $278 million contract extension from Denver during the 2026 offseason.
Instead, the three-time MVP is positioned to pursue a significantly larger deal next summer. He could become eligible for a five-year supermax extension projected to be worth approximately $359.5 million.
Jokić also has a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Jokić Previously Expressed His Desire to Stay
Despite the uncertainty, Jokić has previously indicated that his preference is to remain in Denver.
At the Nuggets’ September media day, Jokić reiterated his intention to sign an extension next summer, adding a joking caveat when discussing his future.
“If they want me.”
The Serbian superstar has spent his entire NBA career with Denver, leading the franchise to its first NBA championship in 2023.
For now, there is no indication that Jokić has decided to leave the Nuggets. However, Kawakami’s comments suggest Denver’s ability to secure his long-term future should not be taken for granted.
Will Nikola Jokić remain in Denver for the rest of his career, or could another NBA franchise eventually enter the picture?
