"A lot of eyes are on him": Will Nikola Jokic stun the NBA?
The Serbian center has avoided a contract extension with Denver for the second consecutive summer and could become a free agent in 2027. Experts note that rivals are closely monitoring the situation.
Nikola Jokic's future in Denver is sparking growing interest across the NBA. The Serbian center chose not to sign a contract extension for the second consecutive summer, and senior reporter Marc Stein claims that rival teams are closely monitoring what is happening at the club.
"There are a lot of eyes on Denver right now from all over the league. There is a lot of curiosity about the direction this team is heading. Let's be honest: Jokic could have signed a contract extension for the second consecutive summer and did not do so," said Stein.
The veteran journalist added: "Even if the decision is 1,000 percent based on financial considerations, it will still cause other teams to whisper and monitor. This is going to be a major topic and there is no way to avoid it. There is a lot of external interest in Denver ahead of the 2026/27 season."
Jokic is currently eligible for a four-year contract extension estimated at approximately $278 million. However, if he waits until next summer, he will be able to sign a historic five-year contract for $359.5 million. According to estimates, the financial consideration is the main reason he has not yet signed, and he even expressed a verbal commitment in the summer to remain with the Nuggets.
However, Jokic holds a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027/28 season. If he declines it, as is expected of him, he will be able to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027. In Denver, they believe he will do so in order to sign the new, larger contract, but rival teams will be waiting for any sign of dissatisfaction on his part.
The uncertainty comes after a disappointing season for the Nuggets, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs and are very limited in their ability to change the roster due to one of the highest payrolls in the league. The future of Peyton Watson, who is demanding a large contract as a restricted free agent, has also not yet been decided.
