It's no secret that Nikola Jokic loves spending time in Serbia with his horses. It's also no secret that the three-time MVP and cornerstone of the Denver Nuggets has said on multiple occasions that he wants to spend his entire career with the only franchise he's ever known. Nuggets fans have no reason to doubt Jokic, but could there be something left out of his statements? Could Jokic actually be delaying his contract extension for an early retirement to spend more time with his horses?
Nuggets fans hope he signs the contract extension next summer for what would be an NBA-record five-year, $360 million deal, which is considerably more than his career earnings over his 11-year career at $302 million and change. However, there are fears he could also opt-out to join another team.
But Jokic could just as easily decide to play out the final year of his current contract and then ride off into the sunset on a chariot behind one of his horses. And he'd probably be super happy with that decision.
Jokic sounds at peace back home with his horses
Jokic spent the better part of the offseason back home in Serbia, where he played for the national team in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. But he spent a bunch of time with his horses, of course. A lot of time.
Jokic sat down for a candid interview for the Jao Mile Podcast, and of course, the subject of his horses came up. Jokic revealed that he was able to spend every day with his horses, and now that he has so many, he says his help is actually "needed."
Jokic was glowing while describing his time helping his horses, riding behind them on his chariot, and he made sure to mention that he especially loves the solitude he feels when he's alone with his horses.
"I also love when everyone leaves, when everything is done, when there's no one around, when it's peaceful," Jokic said.
Jokic doesn't like the spotlight or being bothered in public
Jokic also said during the interview that he isn't a fan of the spotlight and is more or less tired of being asked for pictures in public. Which is totally understandable. But is he so tired of it that it could force him into an early retirement to spend more time at peace with his horses? Maybe. Probably (hopefully) not with that massive contract sitting on the table, but no one could blame him for choosing happiness over money and more MVPs.
It would also still mean ending his career by only playing for the Nuggets, which is what he's been saying all along. For now, Nuggets fans can just assume Jokic will sign the extension next summer. But if he doesn't? My bet is he'll opt for early retirement before joining another team.
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