Jokic affirms loyalty to Denver but plans to sign extension next summer

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

With big names already finding new homes in the ongoing NBA offseason, Nikola Jokic plans to stay put in the Mile High City and finish the rest of his career with the Denver Nuggets.

However, the three-time Most Valuable Player announced he will wait until next summer to sign his extension, even though Jokic has been eligible to ink a four-year, USD 278 million contract since June 14, 2026.

After Serbia’s FIBA World Cup qualifying game win, Jokic told reporters that his desire is to play the rest of his NBA career in Denver.

“My idea and desire is to stay in Denver. I’ll probably sign next year,” Jokic said.

According to multiple sources, Jokic’s extended waiting time is financially motivated, as waiting until next summer would allow him to sign a five-year, USD 359.5 million supermax contract.

Others say that Jokic is currently holding back on finalizing the paperwork after the Nuggets entered the LeBron James sweepstakes, as James is set to leave the Los Angeles Lakers.

On June 30, 2026, the NBA icon officially became an unrestricted free agent after his agent, Rich Paul, told the Lakers of their future plan.

Denver then emerged as one of the teams actively pursuing James, but the franchise can no longer offer much beyond a veteran minimum contract.

Unless Jokic and some of the other stars sacrifice a portion of their salary, the Nuggets stand firm that they have limited resources in terms of luring James financially.

However, Paul reiterated that money isn’t James’ priority in the offseason, and he wants to compete for another chance to raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

The Nuggets are coming off a disappointing 2025-26 NBA playoff run after losing to the undermanned Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.

Despite absorbing the upset loss, Jokic still posted his usual numbers and dominated Minnesota, averaging 25.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in six games.

Denver is still one of the most talented teams favored to win a championship, spearheaded by Jokic, Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon, Peyton Watson, and Jonas Valanciunas.