Jokic's Denver Future
Nikola Jokic Aims for Historic Long-Term Extension, Committing to Denver Through 2032
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Key Points
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Delaying Jokic's extension to next summer could allow him to opt out of his current deal and sign through 2032, effectively securing a longer-term contract beyond the 2031 date.
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Denver has been reportedly aiming to avoid the NBA's second apron this offseason, a cap-driven concern tied to how the Jokic extension is structured and when it is signed.
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Extension terms under discussion include a potential four-year, $250–$300 million max if Jokic signs this summer, or a five-year extension next summer that could include a no-trade clause.
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In the 2023-24 season, Jokic averaged a triple-double (27.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 10.7 APG) as the Nuggets went 54-28 and finished third in the Western Conference, underscoring his continued elite-level impact.
Nikola Jokic plans to stay with the Denver Nuggets for the rest of his career — and a blockbuster contract extension is coming, just not right away. Sporting News reports that Jokic intends to wait until next summer to sign, a delay that could unlock a five-year deal running through 2032 and worth potentially more than his current eligible offer.
Jokic is currently eligible for a four-year, $278 million max extension this summer. Yahoo Sports reports he is choosing to pass on that deal for financial reasons, opting instead to maximize both the length and the total value of his next contract.
Waiting One Year Could Mean One Extra Year Guaranteed
The math behind the delay is straightforward. If Jokic signs this summer, he gets a four-year max worth roughly $278 million, locking him in through 2031. But if he waits until next summer, he can opt out of his current deal and sign a five-year extension. That deal could run through 2032 and carry a no-trade clause, according to Yahoo Sports.
That extra year means more guaranteed money and more security for both sides. The five-year deal is expected to fall in the $250–$300 million range. For Denver, it also means one more year of cap flexibility before locking in a mega-deal.
Jokic Says He Is a Nugget for Life
Jokic has not left any doubt about his loyalty. He has publicly stated his intention to stay in Denver long-term. Newsweek reports that the three-time MVP made a "definitive statement" on his future with the franchise. Nuggets officials are described as fully confident he will not leave.
That confidence matters for Denver's planning. The Nuggets are building around Jokic as their cornerstone. With rival teams making big moves this offseason, locking in the best player in the world — even one year from now — gives Denver a stable foundation heading into what they hope is another title run.
Jokic's Play Backs Up Every Dollar of the Deal
There is no debate about whether Jokic deserves a max contract. In the 2023–24 season, he averaged a full triple-double: 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. Denver went 54–28 and finished third in the Western Conference. No other player in the NBA averaged a triple-double for the season.
Those numbers are not a fluke. Jokic has now won three MVP awards and led Denver to its first NBA title in 2023. Even at 30 years old, he remains the most complete player in the game. Any contract Denver gives him is considered a bargain by league standards.
Cap Rules Add Pressure to Get the Timing Right
The delay is not just about money — it is also about the NBA's salary cap rules. Denver has been working to stay below the league's "second apron," a hard spending threshold that limits a team's ability to add players and make trades. Yahoo Sports notes that the timing of Jokic's extension is tied directly to how Denver manages that threshold.
If Denver signs Jokic this summer, it could push the team over the second apron and restrict roster moves. Waiting one year gives the front office more room to adjust the roster first. It is a chess move — short-term patience to protect long-term flexibility.
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