2x MVP Nikola Jokic is on the verge of securing a serious payday. According to The Athletic, the star center is prepared to agree to a $260 million max extension when the offer comes his way in July.
The Nuggets, who lost in the first round this season, are focused on building the team around Jokic for years to come.
After Jokic publicly stated his desire to sign the extension late last month, sources say the 27-year-old has reiterated his long-term commitment to the franchise this week and made clear his belief in the organization’s future in the wake of Connelly’s exit. Multiple sources tell The Athletic that when the Nuggets offer Jokic the five-year, $260 million supermax deal in July, the All-NBA center plans to sign the contract.
Jokic’s brothers, Strahinja and Nemanja, met with Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth and assistant GM Tommy Balcetis in recent days to discuss the team’s future. All sides, sources say, left the meeting aligned in their vision. For the new Nuggets regime, it was important to spend time with the Jokic family in person stateside in the aftermath of Connelly’s departure. Booth and coach Michael Malone have also spoken to Nikola Jokic over the phone, as the big man remains on his annual offseason respite in Serbia. Both sides reaffirmed their long-term commitment to the partnership in that conversation.
Jokic, 27, averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists on 58.3% shooting this season. He was also named to the All-NBA first team after winning his second straight MVP.
Unfortunately, the Nuggets haven’t had nearly as much success as a team. Despite Jokic’s dominance, they haven’t made a single Finals appearance since he was drafted, and it remains to be seen if they can get there before the end of his prime.
No doubt, inking their biggest star to a $260 million deal is the first step in building the NBA’s next great dynasty.
