Superstar center Nikola Jokic refused to sign a contract extension with Nuggets each of the last two offseasons. However, the Serbian is a big man repeated on Monday that his decision to delay signing a new deal was related to finances rather than concern for the direction of the team, wrote Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.
“I will sign up next year” – said Jokic (Link to video on Twitter via DNVR Nuggets), “if they want me.”
Jokic is currently eligible for a four-year extension worth $276 million. If the 31-year-old waits until free agency in 2027, he will be eligible to sign a five-year contract worth is projected $357.28 million This five-year deal could also include a full no-trade clause, which would not be possible with an extension.
Executive Vice President of Basketball Ben Tenzer said the organization is not concerned about Jokic’s contract status, tweets Nuggets Insider Chris Dempsey.
“We feel very comfortable in the relationship, in trust. We have no problemsTenzer said.
The Nuggets are coming off a disappointing 2026 playoff season in which they were eliminated in the first round by Minnesota in six games. It was the first time Denver failed to win a postseason series since 2022, Durando noted.
According to Durand, Jokic said he wasn’t worried about the contract situation being a distraction.
“I talked to Ben (Tenzer). I spoke with (executive vice president of player personnel) John (Wallace). I spoke to (the president) Josh (Kronke). They know my pointJokic said.I’ve been more than open about it, and I hope they trust me.”
Jokic had another outstanding regular season in 2025/26, averaging 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 65 games (34.8 minutes per game). He was very efficient as usual, hitting .569/.380/.831.
In addition to leading the NBA in rebounds and assists per game, Jokic finished second in MVP voting for the second year in a row. The three-time MVP has finished first or second in MVP voting each of the past six seasons joining Bill Russell and Larry Bird as the only other players to accomplish this feat.
