Nikola Jokić Stalls Contract Talks
Nikola Jokić told the Denver Nuggets he wants to wait on contract extension talks.
The Nuggets and Jokić are reportedly eschewing contract extension talks for the second consecutive offseason.
Jokić led the Nuggets to a championship and won NBA Finals MVP honors in 2023, finishing first or second in the NBA MVP voting in each of the past six seasons.
The Nuggets' primary focus is on improving the team around Jokić with trades, aiming to keep up with Western Conference powers like the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Nuggets want to create financial flexibility to match any offer sheet for restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson, and they are "confident" they will retain him.
Jokić is signed for one more season before having a player option for the 2027-28 campaign, so the Nuggets would like to get him locked up long term.
The Nuggets would prefer to trade Cam Johnson or Christian Braun if needed, and there is growing anticipation they will move on from at least one regular from last season's team.
Jokić averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game last season, leading the league in rebounding and assists per contest.
The Nuggets experienced a first-round playoff exit last season, and the second-round exits they had the previous two seasons, putting pressure on Denver's front office to put together a roster capable of besting these results.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Nuggets are "actively pursuing trades" to bolster Jokić's supporting cast.
Jonas Valančiūnas and possibly Tim Hardaway Jr. will play elsewhere next season, and Aaron Gordon is generating trade interest.
Jokić has finished second to Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the past two NBA MVP votings, but he could have won the award either time.
The Nuggets' desire to improve the team around Jokić is driven by their desire to keep up with other Western Conference powers.
Jokić is an eight-time All-Star and three-time NBA MVP, underscoring his remarkable run as one of the league's elite players.