Nuggets rumors: The current offseason focus amid Nikola Jokic contract extension questions

There are probably only a handful of players in the NBA who are deemed untouchable, and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is one of them.

The Nuggets are more than happy to have Jokic on their roster for perpetuity. However, as history would show, crazy things have happened.

It was recently reported that the three-time MVP is considering not signing an extension this offseason. It led to immediate speculation by critics, and probably nervous fidgeting for the population of Mile High City. But most likely, Jokic is simply aiming for more flexibility when he negotiates for a new contract.

In the meantime, the front office is keen on surrounding Jokic, who led the Nuggets to the title in 2023, with more talent, as reported by The Athletic’s Sam Amick.

“The Nuggets, per team sources, don’t yet have clarity about how he will handle it. In the interim, front-office co-heads Jon Wallace and Ben Tenzer are focused on improving a team that fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round in late April,” wrote Amick.

“More specifically, league sources say, the Nuggets are on the lookout for another creative ballhandler.”

Denver is being linked to Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, although he is not a prototypical playmaker.

It is hard to picture the 31-year-old Jokic shunning Denver and signing elsewhere. He, however, did not hide his frustration after they suffered a first-round exit in the playoffs against the Timberwolves, saying the Nuggets were “far away” from winning a championship.

Amick added that while Jokic is still pondering his extension, the Nuggets should not be worried.

“Team sources tell The Athletic that Jokic is still signaling a desire to remain in the Mile High City past his current contract,” said Amick.

“Those sources, granted anonymity to speak candidly on the matter, say the Nuggets still have a great deal of confidence that Jokic’s stated plan to be ‘a Nugget forever’ that was shared in late April remains intact.”

The eight-time All-Star logged 27.7 points and career-highs of 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists this season, his second straight year averaging a triple-double.

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