Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic Not Signing Extension Yet, But Future In Denver Still Solid

Nikola Jokic isn’t planning to leave the Denver Nuggets. At least, not right now. But his decision to pass on a contract extension this summer has introduced just enough uncertainty to make things interesting.

According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the reigning three-time MVP is expected to hold off on signing an extension, a move that appears to be more about financial timing than any dissatisfaction. Even so, it creates a situation worth monitoring.

“There are no signs that he wants to leave Denver,” Amick said during an appearance on Sactown Sports 1140. “But you can’t tell me, if this next coming season is a train wreck for the Nuggets, that that won’t be an issue. It guarantees now that Joker has another decision to make next summer.”

Jokic, 29, is currently eligible to sign a three-year, $206.4 million extension. By waiting until 2026, he could instead land a four-year deal projected to be worth around $285.4 million. That number is higher, and the timeline aligns more naturally with what could be the final prime years of his career.

“There’s plenty of plausible deniability for why he did it,” Amick said. “It’s more money. It lines up potentially better with his next extension when he’s older. But they’re also coming off a year where they fired their coach and their GM. And yes, they got to the second round, but those guys try to win championships.”

Denver’s new front office leadership has made a strong impression early on, Amick noted. Still, the optics of Jokic declining an extension have not gone unnoticed.

“The new front office is off to a really strong start,” he said. “But Nuggets fans would feel a lot better if Jokic had just signed now. That’s just the reality.”

Jokic has consistently maintained that he enjoys playing in Denver. He delivered the franchise its first NBA championship in 2023 and has become one of the most dominant and unique players in league history. At the same time, the modern NBA has shown how quickly things can shift.

For now, Jokic remains the face of the Nuggets. But his decision to wait puts more pressure on the organization to stay competitive, stay aligned, and make sure Denver continues to be the place where Jokic wants to finish what he started.