Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay signing a contract extension until the 2026 offseason, a move that has the Denver Nuggets cautiously anticipating his future. While Jokic could secure a three-year deal worth up to $207 million this summer, postponing the extension allows him to potentially earn an additional $80 million by waiting. Meanwhile, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, a close friend of Jokic and member of the Los Angeles Lakers, might influence this decision, raising questions about Jokic’s commitment to Denver.

The Nuggets acknowledge Jokic’s choice to hold off on negotiations, understanding the financial incentive behind the delay. Nonetheless, the possibility of Doncic enticing Jokic to reconsider his position adds tension to the offseason.

Potential Partnership Between Jokic and Doncic Could Reshape NBA Landscape

Jokic has expressed a willingness to join forces with Luka Doncic, but only under the Nuggets’ banner. If Doncic, who was recently traded from Dallas to the Lakers, became discontented with his situation, Jokic invited him to Denver, highlighting their strong bond. This rare friendship fuels speculation that Doncic could play a key role in extending Jokic’s timeline on committing to the Nuggets, especially with the Lakers restructuring their roster around Doncic.

According to Mark Kiszla of The Denver Post, Jokic values the brotherhood and camaraderie within basketball over flashy offers or circumstances, making loyalty and connection crucial factors in his contract decision. The duo’s potential union is seen as a force that could dominate the league for years, should they ever unite on court.

Speaking candidly, Jokic said,

“I don’t want to leave Denver… If Luka gets pissed off in Dallas, he can come.”

This quote underlines Jokic’s openness to playing alongside Doncic, but strictly as part of the Nuggets organization.

Financial Details and Negotiations Highlight Joking’s Contract Strategy

The Nuggets have laid out multiple contract options for Jokic, including the current offer and the possibility to extend in 2026. Sources within the organization have revealed that Jokic’s camp opted to delay the extension, a decision that the team anticipated due to the lucrative prospects of waiting. Jokic’s existing contract runs through the next two seasons with a player option available, making him an unrestricted free agent by 2027.

Similarly, Luka Doncic is also expected to hold off on contract extension discussions this offseason. He currently holds a five-year deal with a player option for 2026-27. However, Denver’s financial situation, tight against the luxury tax, likely rules out acquiring Doncic via free agency. This fiscal limitation further complicates the prospect of a Jokic-Doncic partnership outside Denver’s current roster.

Josh Kroenke, vice chairman of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, confirmed the Nuggets will extend an offer to Jokic this summer, but widespread belief remains that Jokic will pass on it to wait until next offseason. This standoff heightens uncertainty around Jokic’s long-term plans.

Team Composition and Salary Cap Concerns Create Pressure on Future Moves

Complicating the Nuggets’ roster and salary cap situation is the massive contract handed to Jamal Murray, valued at $207.8 million over four years starting in 2025-26. Many consider it one of the least efficient deals in Colorado sports history, with Murray’s future performance fueling skepticism about its value. Murray’s $51.9 million average salary places him among the league’s highest-paid guards despite inconsistent play and injury issues.

Critics argue that Murray’s contract restricts Denver’s flexibility moving forward. Sean Keeler of The Denver Post described it as

“a very good player being paid to be great,”

while Troy Renck highlighted how the hefty contract could hinder trade possibilities and impact the team’s ability to build a championship-caliber roster.

Despite concerns, Jokic and Murray remain the central pillars of the Nuggets’ core. Their partnership has been the foundation of Denver’s ascent since the 2016-17 season, but the front office faces tough decisions ahead to maintain that core while navigating financial and competitive pressures. Addressing these challenges is crucial to reassuring Jokic and preventing him from seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Upcoming Lakers vs. Nuggets Matchup Adds Drama to Contract Drama

As the Nuggets prepare to face the Lakers in a highly anticipated matchup, the backdrop of Jokic’s contract delay and Doncic’s potential influence adds an extra layer of intrigue. Scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, the game offers fans a glimpse of two stars who might soon be collaborators instead of rivals.

This confrontation between Denver’s reigning MVP and the Lakers’ rising star spotlights not only their individual talent but the unresolved dynamics influencing their future decisions. The outcome of their faceoff could factor into ongoing contract discussions and strategic planning within both franchises.

Long-Term Consequences for Denver and the NBA

Nikola Jokic’s decision to postpone his contract extension sends shockwaves through the NBA, signaling a period of uncertainty for the Nuggets’ future. The possibility that Luka Doncic might sway Jokic away from Denver elevates the stakes, especially given the financial pressures and roster limitations the Nuggets currently face.

If Jokic eventually departs or demands a different team structure to stay, Denver will need to rapidly adapt to maintain competitiveness. Conversely, should Jokic and Doncic unite on the Nuggets, the NBA’s power hierarchy could shift dramatically, creating one of the most formidable duos the league has seen.

With the contract deadline slowly approaching and negotiations deferred, the Nuggets’ front office must balance honoring Jokic’s value while solving salary cap and roster challenges to secure the team’s future success. The coming months will be critical in defining not only Jokic’s legacy but the strategic direction of both the Nuggets and the NBA at large.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Did Nikola Jokic have a son?

A. Nikola Jokic rejoined the Nuggets on Friday after spending a week with his wife, Natalija, celebrating the birth of their baby boy, according to The Denver Post.

Q. Did Nikola Jokic Play College Ball? Did Nikola Jokic Play College Ball? No, he did not attend college, but he has joked that he attended Harvard. Instead, Jokic was a draft-and-stash prospect who played for Mega Bemax in the Adriatic League.

A. Did Nikola Jokic attend Harvard?

No, Nikola Jokic did not attend Harvard. He is a professional basketball player who was drafted by the Denver Nuggets from Europe in 2014. Jokic started his basketball career in Serbia before joining the NBA.

Q. Is Nikola Jokic friends with Luka Doncic?

A. Explore the delightful friendship between Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic. Watch and enjoy their most humorous moments during basketball games!