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Brian Windhorst says the Denver Nuggets have ‘the rarest thing in basketball’, but teams are paying attention

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 7:13 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets are among the top contenders for the NBA title next season, and they will remain so while Nikola Jokic is on the roster.

This offseason the Denver Nuggets have worked hard to strengthen around Nikola Jokic, and build on the foundations of a team that won 50 games in 2024-25.

The move to bring in Cam Johnson in a trade for Michael Porter Jr,, has been hailed as a ‘home run’, while they are also optimistic of keeping new addition Jonas Valanciunas despite his intent to play in the EuroLeague.

One slight worry long term is over Nikola Jokic’s contract, with the superstar delaying a decision over his future until 2026.

But NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes the Nuggets have little to worry about.

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Nikola Jokic history should mean Denver Nuggets stay calm

Nikola Jokic has been part of the Denver Nuggets since he was drafted in 2014 with the 41st overall pick. He has gone onto become the best player in the league, winning multiple MVPs, along with the NBA title in 2023.

He was a class apart last season despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning the MVP. Jokic registered more triple-doubles than any player in the league.

Brian Windhorst told ESPN’s First Take that Jokic’s easy-going demeanor means the Denver Nuggets do not need to be unduly worried about his contract situation.

He explained: “He is the rarest thing in basketball. He is a mega-star with no stress.

“They have never stressed about his contract, he doesn’t apply pressure with the organization, he doesn’t say things on social media. He doesn’t say things on streams.

“The only thing that he does is go to horse races and dance while drinking wine in the offseason. He is an absolute no-stress superstar.

“The last time around he signed a contract, a supermax at the time, no worries whatsoever, he delivered a championship, he stayed healthy, says nothing that causes problems.”

Teams are monitoring Nikola Jokic’s situation

Despite the way Nikola Jokic conducts himself, teams across the league are paying close attention to Nikola Jokic’s situation, Windhorst explains.

This was exacerbated by Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke putting his foot in his mouth by saying there could be a situation where Jokic might need to be traded.

Windhorst said: “What we are seeing right now is teams starting to make decisions with an eye to 2027. The Clippers and the Lakers trying to save up cap space. 2027 is when Jokic could be a free agent, and when Giannis will be a free agent. Maybe both of them extend, and this is not a topic.

“But ‘we’ll see’, and the ‘eyebrow raised’ part of it, that causes action in the NBA, and that’s what we are seeing.”

Teams will certainly be dreaming of adding Jokic to their roster – but until such a situation occurs, his mind will only be on Denver, and there is lots of basketball to be played between now and 2027.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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