Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić addressed his contract situation during NBA Media Day on Monday, offering a brief but intriguing response that has drawn attention to his future with the franchise. The three-time NBA Most Valuable Player expressed his intention to sign a new deal next summer, but added a pointed qualification.
Nikola Jokic on his potential extension:
“I’m gonna sign next year …………… if they want me.”pic.twitter.com/Z5rk3L0LBK
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) September 28, 2026
Jokić, who has spent his entire NBA career with Denver, is entering the final year of his current contract under team control, with a player option for the 2027-28 season. When asked about his plans, the Serbian center initially stated matter-of-factly, “I’m going to sign next year.” After a lengthy pause, he turned back toward the reporter and added, “If they want me,” leaving an unexpected note of uncertainty about his long-term future with the Nuggets.
The 31-year-old was eligible to sign a contract extension with Denver during the past offseason but opted to postpone the decision. Jokić had previously expressed his desire to remain with the franchise for the rest of his career, saying he wanted to be a “Nugget for life.” However, he ultimately chose not to commit to an extension at that time, opening the door to a potentially more lucrative agreement next summer.
Had he signed this offseason, Jokić would have been eligible for a four-year extension worth approximately $278 million. By waiting until next year, he could instead sign a five-year deal valued at around $360 million, potentially making it the largest contract in NBA history.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the timing of an extension, the Nuggets have publicly expressed confidence in their relationship with the star center. Ben Tenzer, Denver’s executive vice president of basketball operations, addressed the situation by stating, “We have no concerns,” according to the Denver Gazette. His comments suggest that the organization remains comfortable with Jokić’s decision to delay signing a new deal.
Selected by Denver in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft, Jokić joined the franchise in 2015 and has since become the defining player of its modern era. Over the course of his career, he has established himself as one of the league’s most accomplished players, winning three regular-season MVP awards, earning eight NBA All-Star selections and receiving six All-NBA First Team honors.
Across 810 career games with Denver, Jokić has averaged 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game in approximately 32 minutes per contest, demonstrating the all-around skill that has made him one of the NBA’s most influential centers.
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