Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić confirmed on September 28, 2026, that he plans to sign a contract extension next year, jokingly adding the qualifier if they want me.
The delay allows the three-time NBA MVP to maximize his earnings with a projected five-year, $360 million deal in 2027.
The future of Nikola Jokić became a talking point during Denver Nuggets media day as Nikola Jokić addressed his impending contract status. While the Serbian star has spent his entire career in Denver and previously stated his desire to remain a Nugget for life, he has now declined to sign an extension for two consecutive offseasons.
Why Nikola Jokić Delayed His Extension for a Record Deal
The decision to wait on signing a long-term agreement is purely financial. Jokić was eligible this summer to ink a four-year extension worth approximately $278 million. By waiting until the 2027 offseason, however, he positions himself to sign a five-year contract worth a projected $360 million, which would stand as the largest deal in NBA history.
When reporters asked why he skipped signing an extension this offseason, Jokić described it as simple business. He also noted that he kept the franchise’s front office fully informed of his timeline. I talked to them,
Jokić explained. They know my opinion. I was being more than open about it, and hopefully they trust me.
The Playful Four-Word Qualifier That Caught Attention
During the Monday press session, Jokić delivered a direct answer about his timeline before adding a characteristically dry punchline. I’m going to sign next year,
Jokić said, before pausing with a smile to add, if they want me.
“I’m gonna sign next year …………… if they want me.”
Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets center, via Eurohoops
While the remark injected a brief note of playfulness into the proceedings, basketball observers noted that no realistic scenario exists where the franchise would decline to keep a three-time MVP. Jokić enters his 11th season with Denver after being drafted with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft.
Front Office Response and Roster Pressures in Denver
Inside the organization, leadership expressed absolute calm regarding the center’s contractual status. Executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer addressed reporters to dismiss any lingering anxiety about the timeline.
“We feel very comfortable with the relationship, the trust there. We have no concerns.”
Ben Tenzer, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, via Hoopsrumors
Behind the scenes, Denver has managed a tight salary cap environment that forced a difficult offseason roster reshuffle, including trading away developing forward Peyton Watson. The front office faces mounting pressure to maximize the competitive window for Jokić, who is coming off another historic campaign where he averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game while shooting 56.9 percent from the field.
Opening Night and the Road Ahead for the Nuggets
The immediate attention in Denver now shifts away from contract math and toward erasing the sting of last season’s first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Jokić under team control for the upcoming year alongside a player option for the 2027-28 season, the organization has one full season to prove its championship infrastructure can support its superstar.
The Nuggets begin their regular season schedule by facing Oklahoma City on October 22.