Nikola Jokic Commits to Staying with Denver Nuggets Through Career End

Nikola Jokic, the Serbian center and three-time NBA MVP, has reassured Denver Nuggets fans of his intention to remain with the team until the end of his career. Speaking in Belgrade after leading Serbia to a World Cup qualifying win over Bosnia with a triple-double of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, Jokic stated he plans to extend his contract next summer. "My idea is to sign next summer and stay in Denver until the end of my career," he said, emphasizing that the decision is business-related and depends on the Nuggets' willingness to keep him.

Jokic, 31, currently has one guaranteed season left on his contract plus a player option for the 2027/28 season worth $62.8 million. He is delaying signing a new deal this summer to maximize financial benefits, as waiting until next summer could secure him an additional year at a maximum salary potentially worth around $80 million. If he signs a five-year contract next summer, it would keep him in Denver through the 2031/32 season, when he would be 37 years old. Signing this summer would limit the contract to the 2030/31 season.

Previously, Jokic expressed his desire to be a "Nugget forever," and this recent statement comes at a crucial time as Denver seeks to maintain stability around their franchise star. The announcement eases some of the pressure regarding the future of one of the most important players in the club's history.