DENVER — The Denver Nuggets’ stunning first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves has triggered serious questions about the future of the franchise’s cornerstone, three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, if Jokić declines to sign a contract extension this offseason, the Nuggets could be forced to explore trade options for the Serbian superstar as early as this summer, with the entire league already closely monitoring the situation.
The dramatic nature of Denver’s collapse — failing to advance past the second round since winning the 2023 NBA title — has heightened the stakes. With virtually every team in the NBA reportedly ready to line up for the chance to either trade for or sign Jokić in 2027 free agency, the pressure is now squarely on both the player and the organization.
Jokić passed on a contract extension last summer primarily for financial reasons. This offseason, he has the opportunity to sign a more lucrative four-year, $293 million extension, compared to the three-year, $212 million deal that was available a year ago. However, that financial incentive to wait disappears moving forward. In the summer of 2027, Jokić will hold a $62 million player option for the 2027-28 season, meaning there is no longer a clear monetary advantage to delaying a long-term commitment.
Is a Jokić Trade Realistic?
While trading a player of Jokić’s caliber remains extremely difficult, the possibility can no longer be dismissed outright if he does not commit to an extension. The Nuggets would face a difficult choice: risk losing their franchise player for nothing in 2027 free agency or proactively seek a massive return in a trade.
Amick notes that the league-wide interest in Jokić is immense. Should he hit the open market, a bidding war of historic proportions would likely ensue.
Internal Discussions Loom
Even if Jokić does sign the extension this summer, the Nuggets may still need to make tough roster decisions to build a more competitive supporting cast around their superstar. Amick suggests the organization could hold internal discussions about trading Jamal Murray, the team’s second-highest-paid player.
Murray, 29, is coming off the best regular season of his career and carries three years and $161 million remaining on his contract. As an elite scorer and playmaker, he would command significant interest across the league. However, any move involving Murray would come with substantial risk, as it could dismantle the highly effective Jokić-Murray two-man game — widely regarded as the best pick-and-roll tandem in the NBA.
In contrast, trading Aaron Gordon may prove more challenging due to his recent health struggles, which could make potential suitors hesitant.
Jokić Reiterates Desire to Stay in Denver
Despite the swirling speculation, Jokić himself sounded committed to the Nuggets when addressing the media following Thursday’s elimination.
“I still want to be a Nugget forever,” he stated.
His words provide a measure of reassurance to Denver fans, though the realities of NBA business — salary cap constraints, roster construction, and competitive windows — often override personal sentiments.
Critical Offseason Ahead
The Nuggets face several pivotal decisions this offseason beyond the Jokić situation. They must also address the impending restricted free agency of forward Peyton Watson, who is expected to draw aggressive offer sheets from teams around the league.
Broader league context adds intrigue. Other superstars, including Giannis Antetokounmpo (who also holds a 2027-28 player option), Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant, could similarly surface in trade rumors depending on how their respective playoff runs conclude.
For the Nuggets, the coming weeks will be defining. The organization must balance Jokić’s desire to remain in Denver with the harsh realities of sustaining championship contention after another disappointing postseason.
As Amick aptly summarized, the entire NBA will be watching closely to see whether Jokić signs the extension — a decision that could reshape not only the Nuggets’ future but also the balance of power across the league.
Stay tuned as this major Denver story continues to develop.