Overview
- Jokić told reporters in Belgrade on Monday that he plans to “sign next summer” and wants to finish his career in Denver, calling the timing decision “strictly business.”
- By waiting into the 2027 offseason he would be eligible for a five‑year supermax worth roughly $359.5 million, about $80 million more than the four‑year extension available now.
- Under his current contract Jokić has one guaranteed season remaining and a $62.8 million player option for 2027‑28, which he would have to decline to become eligible for the larger deal.
- The Nuggets and league sources say they are not worried publicly, but the delay affects Denver’s immediate offseason choices, including restricted free agent Peyton Watson, luxury‑tax calculations and roster construction.
- Jokić’s elite 2025‑26 season and repeated top‑two MVP finishes strengthen his leverage, so next steps to watch are whether he opts out, how Denver manages cap space, and the 2027 supermax negotiation.