Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic: ‘I’m Going To Sign Next Year’

“I’m gonna sign next year,” Jokic said (Twitter video link via DNVR Nuggets), “if they want me.”

Jokic is currently eligible for a four-year extension worth a projected $276MM. If the 31-year-old waits until 2027 free agency, he’d be eligible to sign a five-year contract worth a projected $357.28MM. That five-year deal could also feature a full no-trade clause, which wouldn’t be possible on an extension.

Executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer said the organization isn’t worried about Jokic’s contract status, tweets Nuggets insider Chris Dempsey.

“We feel very comfortable with the relationship, the trust there. We have no concerns,” Tenzer said.

The Nuggets are coming off a disappointing 2026 playoffs in which they were eliminated in the first round by Minnesota in six games. It was the first time Denver failed to win a postseason series since 2022, Durando notes.

According to Durando, Jokic said he isn’t worried about his contract situation being a distraction.

“I talked to Ben (Tenzer). I talked to (executive VP of player personnel) Jon (Wallace). I talked to (president) Josh (Kroenke). They know my opinion,” Jokic said. “I was being more than open about it, and hopefully they trust me.”

Jokic had another remarkable regular season in 2025/26, averaging 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 65 games (34.8 minutes per contest). He was highly efficient, as usual, posting a shooting line of .569/.380/.831.

On top of leading the NBA in both rebounds and assists per game, Jokic finished runner-up in MVP voting for the second straight year. The three-time MVP has finished first or second in MVP voting each of the past six seasons, joining Bill Russell and Larry Bird as the only other players to accomplish that feat.