Nikola Jokic could become the highest-paid player in NBA history next summer, with the Denver Nuggets superstar projected to be eligible for a five-year, $360 million contract.
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports reported that league sources do not expect Jokic to leave Denver, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future beyond the 2026-27 season.
“Every league source I’ve spoken to over the years and in recent weeks has reiterated that no one really expects Jokic to leave Denver,” O’Connor reported. “Waiting also makes financial sense: Next summer, he could sign a projected five-year, $360 million deal — the richest deal in NBA history.”
Jokic, 31, is currently in the fourth season of a five-year, $276 million contract. He has also declined to sign an extension in each of the past two offseasons, leaving his long-term future as one of the biggest storylines surrounding the Nuggets.
The Serbian center can become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he declines his $62.84 million player option for the 2027-28 season. Signing the projected five-year deal would give Jokic the opportunity to remain in Denver while securing a historic salary.
Jokic has spent his entire NBA career with the Nuggets since Denver selected him with the 41st pick in the 2014 draft. He has established himself as one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, winning three MVP awards and leading Denver to its first NBA championship in 2023.
He has also been selected to seven All-Star teams and six All-NBA First Teams, including each of the past four seasons.
Jokic continued to produce at an elite level in 2025-26, averaging 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 65 games. He shot 56.9% from the field, 38.0% from three-point range and 83.1% from the free-throw line.
The 2025-26 campaign marked the first season in which Jokic averaged a triple-double over a full season. He finished second in MVP voting behind the league’s eventual winner and was named to the All-NBA First Team.
Across 11 NBA seasons, Jokic has averaged 22.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists while shooting 56.1% from the field and 36.2% from three-point range.
Denver’s recent roster decisions have added another layer to the contract situation. The Nuggets operated above the second tax apron during the offseason and made several cost-cutting moves, including trading Peyton Watson to Cleveland in a sign-and-trade.
Despite the financial constraints and Denver’s first-round playoff exit against Minnesota last season, Jokic remains the centerpiece of the franchise.
