$278 million over 4 years! Report: Jokic considers delaying extension again, could become free agent next year

As of June 28 in Beijing, from the day after the Finals concluded, the superstar center Nikola Jokic could have initiated a long-term early extension with Denver, yet no agreement has been reached. According to Stein and Fischer, the 31-year-old may even skip signing an extension entirely this summer. He is eligible for a max contract of $278 million across four years.

Stein and Fischer reported that Jokic chose to postpone extension talks last year, planning to revisit them this summer. At the time, many believed the 31-year-old was aiming for a more lucrative deal. However, the reporters learned that Jokic is in no rush to sign now, as an identical extension offer will still be available next summer.

Jokic's salary for the 2026-27 season is $59 million, and he holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

Jokic is currently training with the Serbian national team for the qualifiers starting in July, which lead to the 2027 FIBA World Cup. After Denver's first-round exit, he has repeatedly stated publicly that he wants to "spend his entire career with the Nuggets." The report notes that earlier this week, the team's executive vice president of basketball operations, Ben Tenzer, was asked about Jokic's extension.

When asked by a reporter about the progress of the extension with their franchise player, Tenzer replied: "League rules prohibit us from commenting on extension negotiations, but you've also heard him say he's very happy here. We're comfortable with our partnership."

Jokic might change his mind in the coming weeks, but multiple signs indicate he is seriously considering delaying extension talks again until 2027.

During the 2025-26 regular season, Jokic delivered another historic performance: playing 65 games, averaging 34.8 minutes, and putting up 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He maintained his usual high efficiency, shooting 56.9% from the field, 38.0% from three, and 83.1% from the free-throw line.

He not only led the league in rebounds and assists per game but also finished second in MVP voting for the second consecutive year. The three-time MVP has ranked among the top two in MVP ballots for six straight years, a feat previously achieved only by Bill Russell and Larry Bird.

Despite his consistent regular-season performance, Jokic's playoff showing in the first-round loss to the Timberwolves was far from ideal. His basic stats were still impressive (25.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 1 steal per game), but his offensive efficiency dropped sharply, with a field goal percentage of just 44.6%, three-point percentage of 19.4%, and free-throw percentage of 93%. Whenever he was on the court, Minnesota attacked the paint without hesitation.

Sources indicate that the Nuggets are actively seeking trade options to upgrade the roster and provide Jokic with better supporting players.