Nikola Jokic is reportedly considering delaying a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, a decision that could ultimately earn the three-time MVP the richest annual salary in NBA history.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported Saturday that “holding off on a contract extension this summer is under consideration for the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic,” citing league sources alongside Jake Fischer. The extension window opens on July 6 but Denver’s franchise cornerstone may decide patience offers greater financial rewards.
The decision is tied to the structure of Jokic’s current contract. If he declines his $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season, he would become eligible to sign a four-year supermax extension worth approximately $278 million through 2031. That deal would carry an average annual value of $69.5 million, eclipsing the current NBA record.
However, waiting another year could prove even more lucrative. By exercising his player option and postponing extension talks until 2027, Jokic could add a three-year extension worth roughly $214 million to his existing contract. That path would make him the first player in league history to average more than $70 million per season.
While the timing of an extension remains uncertain, there is little indication that Jokic’s long-term future with Denver is in doubt. Following the Nuggets’ first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 30-year-old reiterated his desire to spend his entire NBA career with the organization.
Jokic once again delivered an MVP-caliber campaign in 2025-26, finishing second in MVP voting after averaging 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists across 65 games. He shot 56.9% from the field, 38.0% from three-point range and 83.1% at the free-throw line while recording another triple-double average. Jamal Murray complemented him with 25.4 points and 7.1 assists per game, giving Denver one of the league’s most productive offensive duos.
The Nuggets finished 54-28, good for third place in the Western Conference, before their season ended with a 4-2 first-round series loss to Minnesota.
