Nikola Jokic may have fallen to a 4-1 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the first round, but he has proven that his level of play is nearly unmatched in the modern NBA. Jokic is probably going to win a second consecutive MVP this season and gives Denver a headache with his availability in free agency in 2023.
Jokic has admirably carried the Nuggets despite injuries to his co-stars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. All the Nuggets can hope for is that these two come back because it looks like Jokic isn’t going anywhere.
According to Sam Amick of The Atheltic, the Nuggets are expected to offer Jokic a five-year supermax extension worth a combined $254 million this summer, one that would give him the largest contract in the history of the game. Jokic has also said he will be signing a contract of this magnitude if it is offered to him, so it looks like the Nuggets keep the best player in their franchise history for more time.
Nikola Jokic is expected to sign a 5-year, $254M extension with the Nuggets in the off-season, the richest contract in NBA history.
(via @sam_amick) pic.twitter.com/0iAofKmiug
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 28, 2022
After the Nuggets’ season ended, Jokic was asked about his impending contract renewal, where he frankly let people know that he will not be turning down a contract that could give him a guaranteed $265 million over five seasons.
“I would like it, of course, but it’s not something that I’m deciding,” said Jokic, who is likely to win his second consecutive MVP award sometime soon. “I think of course if it’s offered — if (the) offer is on the table — of course I’m going to accept it because I really like the organization and really like the people who work here.” (h/t The Athletic)
Denver has a lot of money tied up in the various players on the team, but you can’t penny-pinch when it comes to retaining Jokic. However, this may cause ripple effects on the roster, so it’ll be interesting to see how Denver plays their cards.
