Denver’s centerpiece sets out his contract timetable
Nikola Jokić said at Denver Nuggets media day on Monday, September 28, that he intends to sign a new contract next year, offering a clear statement about his plans as the team begins the 2026–27 season.
The three-time NBA Most Valuable Player said he was going to sign in 2027, then added, “if they want me.” His comments reaffirmed his intention to stay in Denver, but did not constitute an announcement that a new agreement had been executed.
Jokić’s current deal includes a player option for 2027–28. Reporting by Yahoo Sports and Denver Sports explains that waiting until next summer could allow him to pursue a longer maximum contract than the extension available now. The eventual value would depend on the agreement and the applicable salary figures, so projected totals are not confirmed contract terms.
His position is consistent with comments he made in July about wanting to remain with the Nuggets for his career. Denver selected him in the 2014 draft, and he led the franchise to the 2023 NBA championship.
For the Nuggets, the immediate significance is clarity about their leading player’s stated preference. The next contractual milestone will be an actual agreement and signing. Until then, the accurate description is that Jokić plans to stay and sign in 2027, rather than that Denver has already completed an extension.