Nikola Jokić's expiring contract clouds Denver Nuggets future
Updated
Updated · CBS Sports · May 1
Nikola Jokić's expiring contract clouds Denver Nuggets future
11 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · May 1
After a first-round loss to a depleted Minnesota Timberwolves team, Denver faces second-apron pressure and could be $20-30 million over it by keeping the roster together.
The Nuggets have few tradable picks, rising salary commitments and decisions looming on Peyton Watson, Cam Johnson and Christian Braun, limiting options to improve around Jokić and Jamal Murray.
Jokić can reach free agency in 2027 and, while he has said he wants to stay, his leverage could test whether Denver's owners will spend enough to preserve another title window.
Could a shocking team-up with LeBron James be the wild card solution to the Nuggets' financial and roster crisis?
With his contract ending, must Nikola Jokić threaten to leave Denver to force his team to build a winner?
KSE spends billions on other teams. Will it now pay a record tax to save Nikola Jokić’s championship window?
Nikola Jokić Declines $212M Extension to Pursue $293M Supermax in 2027 Free Agency
Overview
In May 2026, Nikola Jokić declined a three-year, $212 million contract extension with the Denver Nuggets to become eligible for a larger four-year, $293.4 million deal in 2027 free agency. This strategic choice not only maximizes his long-term earnings but also gives the Nuggets short-term salary cap flexibility for the 2026-27 season. Influenced by the NBA's Over-38 rule, Jokić is expected to decline his 2027 player option and re-sign with Denver on the supermax contract. However, if he were to leave, the Nuggets would face a difficult rebuild due to cap constraints and limited assets, highlighting the high stakes of his decision.