Nikola Jokic Sends Clear Message on His Nuggets Future
The Denver Nuggets fell to a disappointing first-round playoff exit after losing Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The early postseason exit has quickly shifted the attention over to star big man Nikola Jokic’s long-term future with the franchise.
The 31-year-old still has two years left on his contract worth roughly $121.9 million, which includes a player option for the second year. He is eligible for an extension this upcoming offseason, with a maximum term of four years and an average annual value of around $278 million.
When asked about his long-term future, Jokic repeatedly voiced his unequivocal desire to remain with the Nuggets.
“I still want to be a Nugget forever,” Jokic said via ESPN.
The lingering uncertainty around the three-time league MVP’s tenure in Denver stems from his decision not to ink an extension last offseason, but it is likely due to his desire to sign a more lucrative contract this upcoming summer.
Although the Nuggets fell well short of NBA contention, Jokic’s viewpoint of the organization’s long-term future remains unshaken.
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At the same time, he did voice that the team needs changes to get back into championship-contender status next season and beyond.
“We just lost in the first round,” Jokic said. “I think we are far away [from title contention].”
The Nuggets’ primary focus over the offseason will be first to secure Jokic under a new extension, then further fill out the roster around him.
He’s coming off another impressive campaign that saw him average a triple-double for the second straight season with 27.7 points while leading the league with 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists.
