According to Jake Fischer and Marc Stein of "The Stein Line," Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets have opted to postpone contract extension talks for another year, choosing instead to focus on assembling a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
Stein and Fischer report that Denver is "actively exploring trade opportunities" to ensure the team is a legitimate championship contender next season.
Jokic is currently in the midst of a five-year, $276 million supermax contract, which is guaranteed through the end of the 2026-27 season. Following that, the Serbian superstar holds a player option to extend his tenure with the Nuggets for an additional year, valued at $62.8 million.
The three-time NBA MVP is eligible for a supermax contract extension this summer. Should he sign a full-value deal, he would become the highest-paid player in NBA history by average annual salary.
Jokic's Two Contract Options
The Serbian basketball maestro faces two potential paths for extending his contract: a three-year deal worth $214 million, or a four-year agreement that would net him a staggering $278 million, provided the Sombor native declines his player option for the 2027-28 season.
Regardless of which option he chooses, the Denver star is set to establish unprecedented standards for average earnings in the world's premier basketball league. Should he opt for the $214 million contract, Jokic would make history as the first NBA player whose average seasonal salary surpasses the $70 million mark.
Conversely, the longer-term $278 million option guarantees him an average of $69.5 million per year. While slightly less, this figure still comfortably shatters the previous record set by the reigning league MVP and Oklahoma City Thunder leader, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian currently earns $67.9 million annually.
Furthermore, the upcoming summer presents the possibility of even more impressive percentages and financial bonuses, given the anticipated increase in the salary cap.
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