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Nikola Jokic: 'I still want to be a Nugget forever' but other changes coming to Denver
TL;DR
Nikola Jokic expressed his desire to remain with the Denver Nuggets, stating, 'I still want to be a Nugget forever.' The team faces changes after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
Key points
- Nikola Jokic wants to stay with the Denver Nuggets.
- The Nuggets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
- Jokic's current contract is worth $59 million for next season.
- He has a $62.8 million player option for the following season.
- Jokic is eligible for a contract extension this summer.
Denver NuggetsMinnesota TimberwolvesNikola Jokic
Whatever the Denver Nuggets are going to look like next season, they can't just run it back again and expect better results. After winning the NBA title in 2023, the Nuggets have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs, and on Thursday night, a shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves team eliminated them in the first round.
Whatever that team looks like, Nikola Jokic wants to be part of it. Here's his quote, via Anthony Slater of ESPN.
"I still want to be a Nugget forever."
Jokic is extension-eligible this summer. He is under contract for $59 million for next season, with a $62.8 million player option for the season after that. Jokic was directly asked if he would sign an extension this offseason. His response:
"I still want to be a Nugget forever."
Jokic averaged 25.8 points, 13.2 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game against Minnesota, nearly a triple-double. However, his 19.4% shooting from 3-point range and poor defense in the series were issues. That said, he's still a top-three player in the world, still an absolute franchise cornerstone.
Jokic's future is not in question, but a lot of other things are. Denver's moves last offseason — trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, locking up Christian Braun, bringing back Bruce Brown — combined with a healthy led to the best offense in the league and a 54-win season (that's one more win than their championship season). However, for the third year in a row, regular-season success did not translate into playoff success, and the Nuggets need to address that.
Q&A
What did Nikola Jokic say about his future with the Nuggets?
Nikola Jokic stated, 'I still want to be a Nugget forever,' indicating his desire to stay with the team.
What are Nikola Jokic's contract details for the upcoming seasons?
Jokic is under contract for $59 million next season and has a $62.8 million player option for the following season.
Why did the Denver Nuggets face elimination in the playoffs?
The Nuggets were eliminated in the first round by a shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves team after failing to advance past the second round in previous seasons.
Is Nikola Jokic eligible for an extension this summer?
Yes, Nikola Jokic is extension-eligible this summer, allowing him to negotiate a new contract.