For the second consecutive summer, Nikola Jokić confirmed on Monday that he won't sign an extension with the Denver Nuggets this offseason, but not because he wants out. It's the opposite, in fact.
Nikola Jokic: "My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career."
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) July 6, 2026
📽️ @LjubomirovicM pic.twitter.com/eZ0EDYsltT
To the outsiders, it didn't matter that he said at the end of Denver's season that he wanted to be a "Nugget forever." When Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the center was considering not signing an extension (subscription required) again this summer, the wheels started turning even faster for other teams, hoping that it meant he was unhappy and would eventually leave.
Technically, that is still a possibility until he officially signs a new deal (and even then, that won't quiet the noise given the nature of the NBA), but Denver knows how Jokić feels. He's made his stance clear, and the Nuggets will be happy to help make it happen.
No, Nikola Jokic doesn't want to leave the Nuggets
Jokic is eligible to sign a four-year, $278 million deal this summer, but next offseason, he will be eligible to sign a five-year deal with a no-trade clause. It's not like he's delaying signing an extension again because he's thinking about leaving. He's thinking about how to not just set himself up best for the future. You know, he deserves it.
He's quieted the noise, at least for now, but fans know that won't keep outside speculation from ramping up again at a moment's notice. If the Nuggets get off to a slow start (or even if they lose their season opener), teams will be waiting to make the call, hoping he becomes available before the trade deadline.
Can you really blame them, though? Jokić is a one-of-a-kind player. If there is even the slightest chance he could hit the market, whether that be via a trade or free agency, teams will want to be prepared. And they will still be preparing for that, even after hearing what he said on Monday.
They can keep on dreaming, though. He doesn't want to join his friend Luka Dončić on the Lakers or help a team in the East make a championship run. Jokić is right where he wants to be, and he's not going anywhere. If there is a player you can take for their word, it's him. He might have to repeat himself a thousand more times before next summer, but it is what it is.
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