Nikola Jokic delays Denver Nuggets max contract extension to 2027
Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic has delayed signing a new contract with the Denver Nuggets until 2027 in order to maximise a potential record-breaking deal.
The Serbian centre reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise following a FIBA World Cup qualifying game on Monday.
He insists he wants to spend his entire NBA career playing in Colorado.
“My idea and desire is to stay in Denver, I’ll probably sign next year. My desire is to play the rest of my life in Denver.”
Nikola Jokic
Financial motivations behind the delay
The franchise cornerstone is currently under contract for two more seasons, with the final year operating as a player option.
He has been eligible to negotiate a four-year extension worth $278m since the middle of June.
However, by waiting until the 2027 offseason, the former second-round draft pick will become eligible to sign a five-year, $359.5m contract as a free agent.
Such an agreement would become the largest in NBA history and push his career on-court earnings to an unprecedented $724m.
Recent struggles and roster changes
Despite individual brilliance, it has been a frustrating recent period for the 2023 NBA champions.
Denver suffered a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.
They have failed to advance past the second round of the postseason since claiming their maiden championship.
On a personal level, the dominant big man finished as runner-up in the MVP voting to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
This came despite him averaging a remarkable triple-double for the second time in his career, posting 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game.
It has also been a quiet free agency period for the Western Conference side, who recently lost Tim Hardaway Jr to the Miami Heat.
Denver have bolstered their ranks by signing guard Tyus Jones and centre Marvin Bagley Jr, but remain locked in negotiations with restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones.