Otro great draft movement could be brewing in an NBA in which, demonstrated, everything can happen in relation to the market. Nikola Jokic will not sign a contract extension with nuggets this summer. The 30 -year -old Serbian pivot, three times MVP and champion in 2023, It has a contract until 2028, although the last season is a player option for 62.8 millionwhich means that, if it does not exercise it, could be a free agent in 2027.
That summer is underlined by all the general manager of the League as the moment in which you have to have effective to be able to bid for some of The big stars that can go to the market: in addition to Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns And even a very veteran Stephen Curry.
Nikola Jokic, in a Nuggets encounter.
The Serbian pivot has until October 20 to sign a three -year contract extension and about 206 million dollarsbut he has already told Nuggets that he will not do it. Waiting until the summer of 2026 can add a fourth season to its new contract for another 77 million. But what if the season is going wrong? What if Jokic understands that he will not win another ring in Denver? What if either renews then and the nuggets do not want to lose in exchange for anything in 2027?The shadow of another transfer that would put the NBA legs above is there.
We are going to raise the extension of the contract, but I am not sure if it will accept it
The president of the Nuggets, Josh Kroenkehe said in June that they would introduce Jokic the renewal offer, but did not hide his doubts: “We are going to consider it, but I am not sure if you will accept it, because we will also explain all the financial aspects about whether signing now or later. To be completely transparent, we always do so. And then he will make the best decision for him and his family, and we will support him. “
The rearme of the Lakers for 2027 … or before
In the economical, it is a good reason to wait. In sports, the decision has already unleashed all kinds of rumors. In addition to the uncertainty that would surround the pivot and his future throughout the course, already There are those who link the Lakers to play with Luka Doncic, one of his best friends in the NBA.
Except that an irreplable movement is shot, and Jokic would be, the Los Angelinos plan is to be conservative in the next markets and reserve for the summer of 2027when they consider that it would be the time to launch for a great star. All this, while Follow the continuity of LeBron Jameswho exercised his player option for one more year, and mustEste the extension of Doncic contract.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic, during a Lakers match.
Jokic's last course was frustrating. Had historical statistics with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists y Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander prevented him from getting his fourth MVP. However, nuggets did not help what necessary to fight for a second ring. The franchise, in addition, fulminated Mike Malone, champion coach in 2023, and Calvin Booth, the general manager.
A satisfactory restructuring
Restructuring seems to satisfy the star. David Adelman, who took over the team after Malone's departure, will continue as the main coach And, in the market, the nuggets signed Tim Hardaway Jr. In free agency, they have detached from Michael Porter Jr. in exchange for Cameron Johnson (Nets) and they transferred Dario Saric to the Kings for John Valanciuncalled to be Jokic's substitute, although his continuity is not safe. The Lithuanian has come to spend a medical examination with the Panathiniakos, but from Denver they say they will not free him from his contract.
With Jokic's future for deciding, it can be a complicated season in Nuggets And they should not miss another great campaign of the best player in the world. The transfer or exit are feasible medium -term options.
