NBA Legend ‘Wouldn’t Be Shocked’ if Nikola Jokic Demands Trade From Nuggets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 5:58 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets fired head coach Michael Malone on Tuesday with just three games left in the regular season. It was a shocking move, to say the least.

In the wake of the Nuggets firing Malone, one of the best players in NBA history said he "wouldn't be surprised" if Nikola Jokic demands a trade this offseason.

Appearing on FS1's "Speak," one-time NBA champion Paul Pierce called out the Nuggets for firing Malone with the regular season almost over.

"I just don't get it," Pierce said. "This does not give them the best chance to win a championship. And I wouldn't be shocked if Joker demands a trade in the summer."

"Denver isn't serious... I wouldn't be shocked if Joker demands a trade this summer." — @paulpierce34 pic.twitter.com/DKy1YDLLDa
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) April 8, 2025

Jokic has never played for another coach in the NBA other than Malone, who guided the Nuggets to the 2023 championship against the Miami Heat.

Denver also reached the 2020 Western Conference Finals under Malone.

A three-time MVP, Jokic signed a five-year, $276 million extension with the Nuggets in 2022. The talented center can become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 by declining his 2027-28 player option worth $62.8 million.

It's unknown how Jokic feels about the Nuggets firing Malone. The next time the big man speaks will be on Wednesday after Denver faces the Sacramento Kings on the road.

Jokic is having another phenomenal season for the Nuggets, who are in fourth place in the Western Conference standings. He's averaging 30.0 points, 12.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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