$400 Million Contract in 5 Years! Locking Down Jokic at Record Speed: The NBA's Greatest Star of Our Time

In the current landscape of the NBA, where team dynamics and player movement dominate headlines, one franchise has made a decisive move that speaks volumes about its ambitions. The Denver Nuggets are reportedly preparing to offer their franchise cornerstone, Nikola Jokic, a contract extension worth $212.2 million over three years in the summer of 2025. Should the Serbian superstar remain with the Nuggets until 2026, he could be eligible for a mammoth five-year, $379.9 million deal. With these numbers, the Nuggets are not only locking down the best player in the league today but also making a definitive statement: Nikola Jokic is Denver’s future, and they’re willing to pay any price to keep him.

Jokic’s Current Contract and Future Earnings

Jokic is already under contract with Denver for the next four years, with a hefty annual salary increasing incrementally each season. Starting at $51.4 million for the upcoming year, followed by $55.2 million, $59 million, and a massive $62.8 million in the final year of his current deal, the reigning NBA Finals MVP is worth every penny. The possibility of extending his contract in 2025 would push his earnings to an astronomical level, but this is a price the Nuggets are more than willing to pay.

Jokic's value to the Nuggets goes beyond the numbers on his paycheck. His loyalty to Denver, coupled with his desire to remain with one team throughout his career, is a rarity in today’s NBA. Unlike other superstars who may look for greener pastures when a team falters, Jokic has shown a steadfast commitment to the Nuggets, even during challenging times. While some players demand trades or eye free agency when faced with roster issues or a lack of championship success, Jokic has consistently expressed his desire to stay in Denver, regardless of the team's ups and downs. For him, basketball is more about the game, his family, and his personal contentment than anything else.

Moreover, Jokic’s love for horses (yes, he owns a stable in Serbia) also adds to his unorthodox lifestyle compared to other NBA superstars. Instead of living in the limelight or engaging in frequent off-court drama, Jokic seems to prefer a simple life. This unique personality trait has endeared him to both fans and the organization, making the idea of Denver being "his city" all the more plausible.

On-Court Dominance: Unmatched by Any NBA Player

There’s no denying that Jokic has proven himself to be the best player in the NBA today. His impact on the court is unmatched, and the statistics back up this claim. Last season, Jokic averaged an astounding 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9 assists per game, making him the only player to finish in the top 15 in points, rebounds, and assists across the entire league. This level of versatility is unheard of, and it’s a major reason why Jokic is regarded as the most well-rounded player in the modern NBA.

Offensively, Jokic is a generational talent. His ability to score in multiple ways, whether from the post, mid-range, or beyond the arc, makes him virtually unguardable. His basketball IQ is off the charts, allowing him to read defenses and make pinpoint passes that leave defenders scrambling. As a result, the Nuggets’ offense often runs through Jokic, with him acting as both a primary scorer and facilitator.

Defensively, while not considered an elite rim protector, Jokic has made significant improvements over the years, particularly in his positioning and ability to contest shots without fouling. His defensive rebounding is also top-tier, consistently securing boards to help the Nuggets transition into fast-break opportunities.

Perhaps most impressively, Jokic elevates his game when it matters most. During the Nuggets’ 2023 championship run, his numbers soared. He put up Finals MVP-worthy stats, averaging 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists in the playoffs. The Nuggets' entire system is built around his strengths, and his leadership has transformed Denver from a fringe playoff team into a legitimate championship contender.

Summer Success: Leading Serbia to the Brink of Victory in Paris

Jokic's dominance doesn’t stop with the NBA. Over the summer, he took his talents to the international stage, leading Serbia in the Paris Olympics, where his performance was nothing short of spectacular. Jokic averaged 18.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game throughout the tournament, with a shooting percentage of 53.8%. These numbers placed him at the top of the leaderboard in multiple statistical categories, including points, rebounds, assists, and steals.

In a dramatic semifinal matchup, Serbia came incredibly close to toppling the mighty United States team, losing by just four points, 91-95. Jokic's all-around brilliance was on full display, as he single-handedly kept Serbia within striking distance of the Americans. While the Serbian team ultimately fell short of pulling off the upset, Jokic’s performance only solidified his status as the best basketball player in the world, bar none.

Jamal Murray’s Extension: Setting the Stage for Jokic’s Massive Deal

Before the Nuggets lock up Jokic for the long term, they’ve already made a bold move to secure another vital piece of their core: Jamal Murray. This summer, Denver handed Murray a four-year, $208 million contract extension, a deal that raised some eyebrows around the league. Despite his stellar play during Denver’s 2023 championship run, many critics questioned whether Murray was worth such a large sum, especially given his inconsistent performances at times. However, this extension speaks volumes about the Nuggets' front office and their confidence in their key players.

Murray, who has become Jokic’s most trusted sidekick on the court, has proven his worth in the playoffs when it matters most. During the Nuggets’ title run, Murray was instrumental, providing clutch shooting and playmaking to complement Jokic’s all-around game. His playoff averages of 26.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7 assists per game are a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion. The Nuggets’ willingness to commit significant financial resources to Murray, even during periods of inconsistent play, shows that they believe in the core they’ve built. And if the Nuggets were willing to offer such a deal to Murray, locking in Jokic with a $400 million contract extension is practically a no-brainer.

Aaron Gordon: Another Crucial Piece of the Puzzle

With Jokic and Murray in place, another key player the Nuggets are eager to keep around is Aaron Gordon. Gordon, one of the most athletic and versatile forwards in the league, became eligible this summer for a four-year, $149.5 million contract extension. If the Nuggets fail to lock him up before the start of the season, Gordon has the option to decline his player option for the 2025-2026 season and test free agency next summer.

Last season, Gordon averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in the regular season, and elevated those numbers to 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists during the playoffs. He has become Jokic’s most reliable frontcourt partner, offering a blend of athleticism, defense, and offensive versatility that few players in the league can match. His defensive prowess and ability to guard multiple positions make him indispensable to the Nuggets’ success, particularly in playoff settings.

However, as valuable as Gordon is, his impending contract negotiations could put the Nuggets in a tight spot financially. Rumors have already started circulating that teams like the Houston Rockets are interested in pursuing Gordon. The Rockets, led by young talent like Alperen Sengun (often referred to as “mini Jokic” for his playmaking ability as a big man), could provide Gordon with an appealing opportunity to be a key piece of their future.

The Price of Success: Navigating the Luxury Tax

While Jokic, Murray, and Gordon form a formidable trio, there’s a financial price to pay for keeping such high-caliber talent on the roster. With Murray’s extension already signed, and potential extensions for Jokic and Gordon on the horizon, the Nuggets’ salary cap situation is becoming increasingly tight.

For next season, the combined salaries of Denver’s top four players will total approximately $146 million. This figure doesn’t even take into account the potential luxury tax penalties the Nuggets will incur as they continue to push the boundaries of the salary cap. After parting ways with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope this summer in a cost-cutting move, Denver’s front office is keenly aware of the financial challenges that lie ahead.