Denver Nuggets fans collectively breathed a sigh of relief on Monday at media day when Nikola Jokić said that he wants to be with the Nuggets forever.
He didn't sign an extension this summer, which alarmed many fans and sparked speculation among opposing teams about the possibility of landing him. However, Jokić can make more money and add another year to his deal if he waits until next year to sign (a four-year deal worth $293 million).
Jokić is currently signed through the 2027-28 season, which is a $62.8 million player option. That player option will become voided if (when) he signs a new deal next summer.
As much as Denver would've liked to lock him down to an extension over the summer, the front office knew that wasn't going to happen. Based on what Jokić said at media day, he isn't going anywhere, but the best way to ensure that would be winning another championship this season, giving him another reason to extend next summer.
Jokić says he wants to stay with the Nuggets forever
After losing to Oklahoma City in Game 7 of the semifinals, the new front office duo of Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace retooled the roster. One of Denver's strengths during its championship run was its depth, which had not been the case in the past couple of years. The Nuggets addressed that this summer, putting the team in a position to win another title with Jokić.
Opposing teams, especially the ones in the West, hoped for Denver's downfall, which, in turn, would lead to Jokić leaving town (sorry, Lakers). Not signing an extension this summer only added to that speculation, but it's a topic that people ran with without understanding (or caring to understand) the reasoning behind it.
Jokić isn't going anywhere. If he has it his way, he'll retire with the Nuggets, which is precisely what Denver wants to happen. There aren't many superstars these days who stay with the same team for the entirety of their careers. Jokić isn't your typical superstar, and he never has been. It'd be only right for him to end things where they began, which is hopefully still years down the road.
There is still work for him to do in Denver; the job isn't done yet. When it is, it'll be time for a parade.