Nikola Jokic carried the Denver Nuggets as far as he could this season.
The Nuggets exhibited little to no signs of competency when the 6-foot-11 superstar center wasn’t on the floor, but Jokic was a game-changer when commanding the franchise’s offense.
Jokic had a historic season with the Nuggets, finishing in the top three of four major statistical categories (third in points, third in rebounds, second in assists, and second in steals).
Following his remarkable 2024-25 campaign, Jokic received a contract prediction from Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale.
“Nikola Jokic can sign a three-year, $212.5 million extension this summer that keeps him on the Denver Nuggets’ books through 2029-30,” Favale wrote Sunday. “If the past is any indication, he will sign it without much pomp or circumstance and continue going about his business of world domination.”
“Yet, exceptional times call for exceptional measures. Jokic noted Denver’s lack of depth after its playoff exit, only for managing governor Josh Kroenke to extol the benefits of running it back. That is unacceptable.”
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“In fairness, the Nuggets are not working with many resources. They can trade just one first-round pick this summer and won’t have more than the mini mid-level exception of $5.7 million to spend in free agency. That isn’t Jokic’s problem. This team should be working its butt off to improve around the best player in the world. The past two offseasons have seen them do the exact opposite.”
“Jokic can take control of the situation by passing on the extension. Few consider him a future flight risk, and he stands to guarantee himself more money by waiting. But rejecting the deal puts implicit pressure on Denver to avoid complacency.”
The Nuggets, like many NBA franchises, have a crucial offseason ahead of them. Moving forward, Jokic shouldn’t be required to do it on the hardwood for the organization to succeed.
The 30-year-old stud averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game in Year 10, shooting 57.6% from the field and 41.7% from three.
With Kevin Durant out of their picture following the 15-time All-Star’s blockbuster trade to the Houston Rockets, the Nuggets must find a new high-level asset to pair with Jokic in free agency.
Considering Denver hasn’t done its part to support Jokic recently, it makes sense why Favale believes the Serbian star could be reluctant to sign a long-term contract extension with the franchise.
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