Nikola Jokic Not Signing Extension This Offseason Stuns Fans: “Let the Lakers Rumors Begin”

Nikola Jokic has been pointing fingers at the Denver Nuggets top brass for their playoff failures over the past two seasons.

Nikola Jokic Not Signing Extension This Offseason Stuns Fans: “Let the Lakers Rumors Begin”

Nikola Jokic foregoing chance to sign extension (Image via FirstSportz)

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Denver Nuggets fans kept looking at the notifications to understand what the retooled front office was doing to bring in players who can help franchise cornerstone Nikola Jokic. Two seasons of second round playoff exits due to an inept roster was not an excuse they wanted to hear anymore.

The Serbian had arguably the best season of his career, and yet, they could not overcome their lack of bench depth while battling in the playoffs. Nuggets fans believe the outcome of the 2025 NBA playoffs would have been very different if their bench was as good as their title-winning one.

Injuries also had a major hand in sinking their chances of making it to the West Finals. After observing this repeat over the past two seasons, the Nuggets’ top brass brought in four additions while losing Michael Porter Jr.

The idea is to give Jokic added ammunition and enough rest later in the season. So far, their efforts have drawn praise, even though they had to deal with one little scare. However, there is still the need to get their most important star to buy into these decisions.

Nikola Jokic has informed the Nuggets he won’t sign a contract extension this offseason, team sources told The Denver Post.

Bennett Durando wrote on X

Veteran journalist Marc Stein confirmed this revelation from The Denver Post journalist Bennett Durando. That means, the 30-year-old will forego signing a contract extension this offseason.

It could be a ploy for Nikola Jokic to pile the pressure on the Denver Nuggets top brass to build a team that can help him win the city’s second ever NBA title. However, this news startled basketball fans.

Nikola Jokic’s decision shocks basketball fans

Basketball fans did not expect this of all the possible news stories to hit their notifications section of their phones. They are worried that Denver Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke‘s possible trade talks might become true.

If Nikola Jokic delays his contract extension, he can push the ownership for a trade next season. Fans fear the Serbian is possibly looking to wield his power after the franchise wasted two great years of his career. Check out examples of those reactions below:

Nikola Jokic and best friend Luka Doncic
Nikola Jokic and best friend Luka Doncic (Image via NBA/X)

Most of the reactions from fans suggest they could see Nikola Jokic forcing his way to the Los Angeles Lakers to join close friend Luka Doncic. The purple and gold franchise have been busy tinkering the roster to ensure they have sufficient cap space for the 2026-27.

If LeBron James retires after the 2025-26 season, a Balkan union on the West Coast is possible. However, it is also possible that the Serbian is taking his time to sign a much larger contract next season.

Nikola Jokic could sign $388 million super max

By foregoing the option to sign an extension this season, Nikola Jokic has garnered a lot of leverage. He essentially has activated the possibility of earning $80 million more next season.

He will be eligible to sign a 5-year, $388 million super max deal in 2026. That could help him surpass his MVP rival Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to become the highest paid player in NBA history.

An annual salary of $77.6 million will be enough for the Serbian to continue his passion for horse racing throughout his entire life. However, it must be noted that the father of two has continuously stated that his 1st motive is to win.

The Denver Nuggets have to do a good enough job, both this season, and the next, to ensure their most important player stays and signs the long-term extension that could tie him down for the future.

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