Jokic to Sign Denver Extension Next Summer, Delaying Larger Deal

Nikola Jokic said he plans to sign a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets next summer rather than this offseason. The three-time MVP made the comments after Serbia defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 94-81 in a FIBA World Cup 2027 European qualifier in Belgrade on July 6. "My idea and desire is to stay in Denver.

I'll probably sign next year," Jokic told reporters. " Jokic remains under contract with the Nuggets for two seasons, with the final year a player option. He became eligible on June 14 to negotiate a four-year $278 million maximum extension.

Waiting until the 2027 offseason would allow him to sign a five-year $359.5 million contract as a free agent, the largest in NBA history and one that would bring his career on-court earnings to $724 million. The Nuggets were aware of Jokic's plan to delay the extension for financial reasons, a team source said.

The team signed guard Tyus Jones and center Marvin Bagley III in free agency but lost forward Tim Hardaway Jr.

Restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones remain unsigned. Jokic averaged 27.7 points on 56.9 percent shooting, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game during the 2025-26 season. He posted a triple-double average for the second time in his career and finished runner-up in MVP voting.

The Nuggets lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.