Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Sam Hodde)
The future of Nikola Jokić in Denver remains a major talking point around the league.
According to veteran NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Jokić is considering waiting before signing a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this offseason. The decision is reportedly tied to the financial advantage of delaying a new deal rather than any desire to leave the franchise.
By waiting until next summer, Jokić would become eligible to sign a significantly larger extension than the one currently available under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. That makes patience a potentially lucrative strategy for the three-time MVP.
Should Jokić decline to sign an extension now, he could remain under contract with Denver through the 2026-27 season before potentially entering free agency in the summer of 2027 if no new agreement is reached.
While the report is certain to spark speculation across the NBA, Stein noted there is no indication that Jokić is looking to force his way out of Denver. Instead, the situation appears to be driven by contract mechanics and maximizing long-term earnings rather than dissatisfaction with the organization.
The Nuggets, who won their first NBA championship with Jokić leading the way in 2023, are expected to continue making him the centerpiece of the franchise for years to come. Whether an extension comes this summer or later, Denver’s top priority remains securing the future of one of the greatest players in franchise history.
What do you think? Is Jokić simply maximizing his earnings, or does delaying an extension leave the door open for future uncertainty?
