Nikola Jokic has never been one for drama, and his latest comments on the NBA trade deadline prove just that. As the league continues to be shaken by major moves, most notably the stunning Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Jokic has provided a level-headed perspective. His message to players? Stay professional, because trades are simply part of the business.
“We signed a contract—you can get traded. So I think it’s about being professional. Don’t close the door behind you if you get traded. I think just be professional. It can happen. Don’t take it personally. It’s a business. It’s a job.”
“It’s not like you’re going to go do something else—you’re just going to another team to play basketball. So I think it can happen. That doesn’t mean that you’re a bad player or a good player. I think maybe the team just wants to change the energy, maybe it wants to change the style of play. So I think it’s a normal thing to happen in the NBA.”
Jokic’s words serve as a reminder in the midst of one of the most unpredictable trade deadlines in recent memory. The Doncic deal alone was enough to send shockwaves through the league, and now the rumor mill is swirling with speculation about players like Kevin Durant, and even Draymond Green potentially being moved.
For many players, the idea of suddenly uprooting their lives and heading to a new team is unsettling, but Jokic sees it as an expected reality in professional basketball.
The reigning MVP went on to say that getting traded doesn’t mean a player is bad or unwanted. Jokic’s pragmatic approach to the business side of the game reflects his no-nonsense attitude.
Unlike some superstars who have fought against trades or taken them personally, Jokic recognizes that team executives are constantly making moves to improve their rosters. He even acknowledged that no player is completely safe in the NBA, referencing the massive Luka Doncic trade as an example.
Jokic’s words highlight an important truth: the NBA is a business first and foremost. While fans and players form deep emotional connections to teams, front offices are always looking at the bigger picture. Denver has largely avoided the chaos of this year’s trade deadline, but Jokic understands that in a league as unpredictable as the NBA, things can change in an instant.
As Thursday’s deadline approaches, players across the league would do well to take Jokic’s advice to heart. The reality is that trades are an unavoidable part of professional sports, and those who handle them with professionalism will be better off in the long run. While some players may feel blindsided or frustrated by being moved, Jokic’s words serve as a reminder that it’s all just part of the game.
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