Nikola Jokić Plans 'To Be a Nugget Forever' as NBA Star Shrugs Off Speculation After Declining Extension
Nikola Jokić addressed speculation about his future during Nuggets media day, declaring his plan to 'be a Nugget forever' after declining a summer extension to secure a more lucrative deal worth $80 million more in guaranteed money next offseason.
Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić has put to rest speculation about his future with the Denver Nuggets, declaring his intention to remain with the franchise "forever" during Monday's media day at Ball Arena.
Jokić's Clear Commitment
"My plan is to be a Nugget forever," Jokić stated emphatically when addressing reporters about his decision to decline a contract extension this summer. The 30-year-old Serbian center, who has spent his entire NBA career in Denver since being drafted in 2015, dismissed concerns about his long-term commitment to the organization.
Strategic Financial Decision
Jokić's decision to delay extension talks was purely financial strategy rather than dissatisfaction with the franchise. He declined a three-year, $212 million extension offer this summer, instead choosing to wait until 2026 when he'll be eligible for a significantly more lucrative four-year deal worth approximately $293 million—a difference of roughly $80 million in guaranteed money. "I think those contract extensions come as a reward, as something that is natural to the sport," Jokić explained. "Especially in today's NBA, you see how the salary cap is going and everything."
Contract Security Through 2027
The decision doesn't affect Jokić's immediate status with Denver. He remains under contract through the 2026-27 season with $55.2 million owed this season and $59 million in 2026-27, plus a player option worth nearly $63 million for 2027-28. The earliest he could potentially hit free agency would be summer 2027.
Organizational Support
Nuggets leadership anticipated and supported Jokić's decision to delay extension talks. Executive vice president of player personnel Jon Wallace confirmed the team remains in a "good headspace" about the situation, while team sources told The Denver Post they were not surprised by the choice. Nuggets governor Josh Kroenke had previously made clear the organization's intention to offer Jokić the maximum allowable amount, stating earlier this summer: "We're definitely going to offer [the extension]. I'm not sure if he's going to accept it or not, because we're also going to explain every financial parameter around him signing now versus signing later."
Roster Moves Signal Championship Intent
The Nuggets have been aggressive in retooling their roster around Jokić's prime years. This offseason, they traded Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round pick to Brooklyn for sharpshooting wing Cam Johnson, reunited with championship contributor Bruce Brown, added veteran Tim Hardaway Jr., and acquired backup center Jonas Valančiūnas from Sacramento. These moves demonstrate Denver's commitment to maximizing their championship window with Jokić, who led the franchise to its first NBA title in 2023 and continues to compete at an MVP level despite being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.
