Nikola Jokić has reaffirmed his commitment to the Denver Nuggets, saying he hopes to spend the rest of his NBA career with the franchise, although he plans to wait until next summer before signing a contract extension.
The three-time NBA Most Valuable Player made his intentions clear after helping Serbia defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina in a FIBA World Cup qualifying match in Belgrade on Monday.
Jokić produced another trademark all-round display, finishing with 20 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds as Serbia secured victory. Speaking to reporters after the game, the 31-year-old said his long-term future remains firmly tied to Denver.
“I still want to be (with the) Nuggets forever,” Jokić said.
However, the Serbian star is expected to postpone signing a new deal until next summer, a move that would allow him to become eligible for a five-year supermax extension worth around $350 million.
Jokić is coming off another outstanding NBA campaign, earning All-NBA honours for the eighth time in his career. He averaged 27.7 points, a league-leading 12.9 rebounds and a league-best 10.7 assists per game, finishing second in the MVP race behind Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Despite Jokić’s stellar individual performances, Denver endured a disappointing postseason, suffering a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The early elimination has prompted questions about the Nuggets’ direction heading into the new season, although Jokić’s latest comments will reassure the franchise and its supporters that he remains committed to leading the team.
Denver has had a relatively quiet offseason so far, with one of its biggest decisions centred on the future of Peyton Watson. The versatile guard-forward is expected to command a significant new contract if the Nuggets decide to retain him.
For now, though, the franchise’s biggest priority appears settled. While a new contract may have to wait another year, Jokić has made it clear that he still sees his future in Denver and hopes to continue his journey with the only NBA team he has represented.
