Nuggets Executive Offers Insight on Nikola Jokic’s Contract Decision
A Denver Nuggets executive recently spoke candidly about Nikola Jokic’s decision regarding his contract extension.
In the past five years, the NBA has seen a resurgence of dominant big men after being dominated by guards and forwards for over a decade. Leading the charge has been Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.
At 30, Jokic is the first player since Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird to finish in the top two of MVP voting for five consecutive years, having won the award three times. He has solidified his legacy as the greatest player in Nuggets history and as an NBA all-time great. Now, the primary goal for Denver is to ensure he stays content.
This offseason, Jokic was eligible for a massive contract extension, but the star center reportedly declined the offer, with plans to revisit contract talks next summer, as reported by The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando.
“Jokic has informed the Nuggets that he will not sign a contract extension this offseason. The three-time MVP intends to wait until next summer to enter contract negotiations,” Durando wrote.
While some fans may be reading too much into this, it’s actually a strategic decision for Jokic to wait until next year to sign a new deal. NBA insider Keith Smith spoke with an anonymous Nuggets executive during the Summer League in Las Vegas, who reassured that there are no concerns about Jokic’s decision.
“No worry at all. It’s the smart move from his side, if I’m being honest,” the executive said. “He can secure an extra year next year. It’s the right move when you’re in his position. Same offer, plus one more year, will be available to him next summer. He knows that, and we’re all on the same page.”
With the Dallas Mavericks’ surprise trade of Luka Doncic earlier this year, many fans are now more cautious about their star players’ futures. However, both the Nuggets and Jokic have shown no indication of wanting to part ways, and it’s widely expected that Jokic will finish his career in Denver.
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