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Nikola Jokic makes $80 million decision about Denver Nuggets future, Josh Kroenke made ‘completely transparent’ point

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 9:20 AM ET

Nikola Jokic will be with the Denver Nuggets going forward, but his contract status has taken an unexpected turn.

The Denver Nuggets have been incredibly active during this offseason. After making changes to their head coach and front office, the Nuggets have been acting with a lot of urgency during this period.

After David Adelman earned the trust of the Nuggets’ ownership, new front office executives Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace have made a lot of moves recently.

The Nuggets were one of the biggest winners in free agency, signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. right out of the gate.

Then the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson, upgrading their wing depth. But one of the big moves was signing Jonas Valanciunas to be Nikola Jokic’s backup.

While Valanciunas wants to leave for the Euroleague, the Nuggets have no intention of letting him go. Signing him was a big part of keeping Jokic happy. But despite the signing, Nikola Jokic isn’t ready to commit his future to the Nuggets just yet.

Nikola Jokic delays Denver Nuggets contract negotiation till 2026

Bennett Durando of the Denver Post broke the news yesterday that Nikola Jokic is not going to seek a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer.

He still has three years left on the five-year, $276 million contract extension he signed that became active in the summer of 2023.

This summer, Jokic had the option to sign a three-year, $206 million contract extension. And if he changes his mind between now and October 20th, he can still do so.

But by waiting till next summer, Jokic can add an extra year to the extension, bumping the total possible amount to $286 million.

As such, by waiting to sign an extension, Jokic may have just earned himself an extra $80 million and an additional year with the Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic has informed the Nuggets he won't sign a contract extension this offseason, team sources told @DenverPost. Here's why it makes sense for him to wait until next summer:https://t.co/UHHv1198Mv
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) July 8, 2025

Josh Kroenke offered Nikola Jokic contract extension this summer

Last month, Denver Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke spoke about Nikola Jokic’s future. He claimed that the Nuggets would offer Jokic an extension, although even he had his doubts about the superstar accepting the offer.

“We’re definitely going to offer it. I’m not sure if he’s going to accept it or not, because we’re also going to explain every financial parameter around him signing now versus signing later.

“To be completely transparent, that’s the way we always are. And then he makes the best decision for himself and his family, and we’ll support him in it.”

Kroenke has been quite open about wanting to keep Nikola Jokic with the Nuggets for as long as possible. This is a big reason why they’ve been so hesitant to pay players such big money.

Kroenke doesn’t want to be put in a position where the Nuggets are forced to trade Nikola Jokic. But all signs point to Jokic continuing with the Nuggets despite not extending his contract this summer.

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

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