NBA Notes: Nuggets, Nikola Jokic, Spurs, De’Aaron Fox, Pistons

Nuggets

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic isn’t going anywhere.

The three-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP declined to sign a veteran extension with Denver this summer — but it’s strictly a business decision, not a breakup.

“My plan is to be with the Nuggets forever,” Jokic said, via Chris Dempsey of Altitude Sports.

Denver expected Jokic to bypass an extension in order to maximize his earnings. By waiting until next summer, he can tack on an extra year and roughly $79 million to his deal.

Based on current projections, a three-year max starting in 2027-28 would be worth about $206.4 million. A four-year deal next offseason could climb to $285.4 million.

Jokic has often said he admires Tim Duncan’s career arc — spending all 19 seasons with the Spurs — and appears intent on following a similar path in Denver.

Spurs

De’Aaron Fox isn’t expected to play in the preseason and opening night seems unlikely, too.

The Spurs point guard, who had finger surgery late last season, is now dealing with a hamstring injury, as relayed by Jared Weiss of The Athletic.

“I don’t think I’ll be ready for opening night,” Fox said. “Well, I think I’m ready. But I don’t have that (medical) expertise.”

Fox added that he feels “great” and could play now, but the team is taking a cautious approach.

The Spurs are already dealing with injury concerns at the position: No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper had thumb surgery earlier this month and could also miss the start of the regular season.

Pistons

Detroit has a ticking clock on two key young players.

The Pistons have until the end of training camp to reach rookie scale extensions with guard Jaden Ivey and center Jalen Duren.

“We’re excited they’re both members of the Pistons,” team president Trajan Langdon said at media day, per Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. “They will have huge roles … whether or not we get deals done, I don’t know if that happens.”

If extensions aren’t reached, both Ivey and Duren would head into restricted free agency next summer.