Nikola Jokic gives honest assessment of Nuggets' future title hopes after first-round loss to Timberwolves

After the devastating loss, however, Jokic was asked about the team's future aspirations for a championship. And despite a respectable season in Denver, Jokic had a message that could serve as a harsh wake-up call for many.

Here's what the Serbian center had to say about the future of the Denver Nuggets.

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What Nikola Jokic said after first-round loss to Timberwolves

After the game, Jokic was asked how far the team is from being a championship contender. He was frank in his response.

"We just lost in the first round. I think we are far away." Jokic said per ESPN's Anthony Slater

As a follow-up, Jokic was asked if changes were needed for the team going forward. Jokic hesitated, emphasizing that this decision is the front office's responsibility.

"That's not my decision. Definitely, if we were in Serbia, we would all be fired." Jokic said per Slater.

While these comments are often enough to kick off a whirlwind of trade expectations, especially for someone of Jokic's caliber, the Nuggets' center shut this down.

"I still want to be a nugget forever," Jokic said per Slater.

While there is surely a laundry list of teams that would love Jokic's talents, it seems they may have to wait. Jokic is up for free agency in 2027 at the earliest, but has a player option for the 2027-28 season. He is also eligible for an extension this offseason, valued as high as 4 years and $293 million.

MORE NUGGETS-TIMBERWOLVES:

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• How Terrence Shannon Jr. helped Timberwolves to shocking upset