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Nikola Jokic Says He Will Stay in Denver but Will Wait Until Next Summer to Sign Extension

He told reporters the pause is a business decision to become eligible for a five-year supermax that would add a guaranteed season and substantially raise his pay.

Overview

  • Jokic told reporters Monday after Serbia’s FIBA World Cup qualifying win that he plans to sign an extension next summer and intends to finish his career with the Denver Nuggets.
  • By waiting he preserves eligibility to sign a five-year supermax in 2027 that has been reported at about $359.5 million, rather than the four-year extension currently available for roughly $278 million.
  • Jokic is under contract for 2026-27 and holds a $62.8 million player option for 2027-28, a structure he would need to decline to pursue the five-year deal next offseason.
  • The public clarification reduces trade and free-agent speculation but increases pressure on Denver’s offseason roster and cap choices, including how the team handles restricted free agent Peyton Watson.
  • If Jokic signs the five-year deal it would push his contract into the 2031-32 season, boost his career on-court earnings by tens of millions of dollars, and force the Nuggets to weigh long-term commitment to an aging superstar against short-term roster flexibility.