Nikola Jokic says he'll postpone Nuggets contract extension until next summer

Three‑time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic told Serbian media after a FIBA World Cup qualifying game that he wants to remain with the Denver Nuggets for his entire career but will delay signing a new contract until the summer of 2027. He said, “My idea and desire is to stay in Denver… I’ll probably sign next year. The reason is strictly business.” Jokic is currently under a two‑year deal with a player option for 2026‑27 and could now sign a four‑year, $278 million max extension. By waiting until the 2027 offseason he could instead secure a five‑year, $359.5 million contract – potentially the largest in NBA history – adding roughly $80 million in guaranteed money. The decision is financially motivated; he hopes to maximize earnings before the end of his career. Jokic, who averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists in the 2025‑26 season and finished second in MVP voting, also recorded a 20‑point, 10‑rebound, 11‑assist triple‑double for Serbia in the qualifier. The Nuggets, despite a strong regular season, were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.