The Denver Nuggets are understanding of Nikola Jokic’s decision to put off contract talks until the 2026 offseason. However, five-time NBA All-Star and Jokic’s friend, Luka Doncic, could loom large to potentially lure the two-time MVP to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Jokic is eligible to sign a three-year extension worth up to $207 million this offseason. He can make considerably more if he puts off a decision until next offseason.
That could be all the time Doncic needs to sway his friend to wait even longer.
“Chasing the greener grass or the biggest bag of cash? Joker’s not about that action. He and Denver are a great fit because the bright lights don’t dazzle Jokic. What he cherishes most about basketball is the brotherhood of the game. But that did get me thinking when news broke last week that the Lakers are ready to thank King James for the memories and build their future around Luka Doncic,” The Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla wrote on July 12.
“Who is Luka’s basketball brother from another mother? A fondness for Doncic might be the only thing that could tempt Jokic to leave the Nuggets. If they ever joined forces, Luka and Jokic would steamroll the NBA until their wheels fell off.”
“Nikola Jokic has informed the Nuggets he will not sign a contract extension this offseason, team sources told The Denver Post, as the three-time MVP intends to wait until next summer to engage in contract talks,” The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando wrote on July 13. “He can tack on an extra season and earn an additional $80 million, approximately, by pushing off an extension until the 2026 offseason.
“The Nuggets presented both options to Jokic in conversations with him and his representation. Jokic’s camp elected to delay — a decision that Nuggets leadership was anticipating because of the money on the table, team sources said.”
Nikola Jokic Invited Luka Doncic to Join Nuggets
GettyLuka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets chat during a game.
KSE vice chairman Josh Kroenke said the Nuggets will “definitely” make an offer to Jokic this summer. However, all signs point to Jokic passing on that offer this offseason, which will surely spark even greater speculation about his future with the Nuggets.
Likewise, Doncic’s future with the Lakers is in some question.
Fittingly, Jokic previously extended an invite for Doncic to join the Nuggets if the latter ever grew weary of the Dallas Mavericks, who traded him to the Lakers before the 2025 deadline.
Jokic has two years remaining on a five-year, $276 million contract, but also has a player option and can be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Notably, Doncic is in Year 4 of a five-year, $215.1 million deal with a PO for 2026-27.
Doncic could hit the open market before Jokic. He is also expected to put off potential contract extension talks until later in the offseason. The Nuggets are close to the luxury tax, per Spotrac, and far from able to afford Doncic in free agency, though.
Nuggets Facing Scrutiny Over ‘Blue Arrow’
GettyNikola Jokic #15 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets talk during the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jokic may not be a flight risk. However, the Nuggets have made the situation tougher on themselves by giving Jamal Murray what is arguably the “worst contract in Colorado sports.” Murray is beginning a four-year, $207.8 million extension in 2025-26.
“Anybody who’s a straight arrow knows it’s the Blue Arrow. Jamal Murray asked for the Moon, and the Nuggets paid him like an All-Star,” The Denver Post’s Sean Keeler wrote on July 7. “He’ll take up roughly a third of Denver’s salary cap through 2029. Don’t get me wrong — Murray earned a pay bump. But his extension became a classic case of a very good player being paid to be great. And Nuggets fans are more concerned about his weight and his gait.”
Murray’s $51.9 million average annual salary ranks sixth among NBA guards.
“Jamal Murray is the answer. It is because of his money in the future, not the moments he provided in the past,” The Denver Post’s Troy Renck wrote in response to Keeler. “His inconsistency and injuries are becoming an increasing issue because he is now making max money.
“He will be the 16th highest-paid player in the NBA this season. He is the only player in the top 27 not to make an All-Star team, leaving him almost impossible to trade.”
Jokic and Murray have been the Nuggets’ core since the 2016-17 season. That may not be changing anytime soon. Still, something must change for the Nuggets to allay any concerns that Jokic might bolt for greener pastures.
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