Much of the Nuggets’ recent focus has been on contract extensions for the 2022 rookies, with Christian Braun’s deal getting done just before the deadline. But the biggest extension decision awaits next summer, when Nikola Jokic is expected to sign a five-year supermax, to hopefully stay in Denver for the rest of his prime years (at the very least).
But the reality is, while that’s the expectation, until the ink is dry, the ball is in Jokic’s court, and if anything happens between now and next summer, he can control his own destiny and demand a trade or become a free agent.
As Sam Amick pointed out on a recent episode of The Athletic Daily NBA Show, by not signing this summer, Jokic left the door open to explore his options, and though he has made every indication he wants to finish his career in Denver, he didn’t directly answer the question at media day when given the opportunity.
Jokic should be happy in Denver…but for how long?
This season, there’s no real reason to think Jokic would be discontent in any way. The front office has brought in a revamped coaching staff, they traded to upgrade the starting lineup, and they brought in plenty of veteran depth, creating one of the deepest and most versatile teams in the entire NBA.
They’ve also locked up Christian Braun on a long-term, team-friendly deal, so now the whole starting lineup is under contract for at least the next two seasons. On the surface, Jokic has every reason to be excited about the team and ready to commit to the franchise.
But the elephant in the room remains the Nuggets’ future financial situation beyond this season. Now that Braun is signed, that means the team will owe $193+ million to six players, with ownership indicating that they don’t want to pay the luxury tax next season.
To make a long story short, the Nuggets are going to have to make some serious cost-cutting moves to get under the tax next year, and there’s a very real chance they have to drastically decrease the level of talent on the roster.
Considering those moves will be coinciding with Jokic’s extension decision, it’s a scary thought to think he may be taking a close look at the organization, as they’re selling off talent, and deciding whether or not he truly wants to spend the last few precious years of his prime on a team that would rather save money than go all-in to win titles.