Report: Nikola Jokic set to sign record-breaking contract extension with Nuggets
NBA MVP Nikola Jokic is reportedly set to sign a supermax contract with the Denver Nuggets that will make him the highest-paid player in the NBA.
NIkola Jokic was voted this season’s Most Valuable Player as the Denver Nuggets’ star player, and it appears he’s going to be with the team for the long haul.
Jokic intends to sign a five-year $260 million supermax contract extension with Denver, if and when they make the offer in the offseason, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Sources: Nikola Jokic has reaffirmed his long-term commitment to Denver in recent days, clearing way to sign a $260M supermax in offseason.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 27, 2022
Inside what’s next for the Nuggets in wake of Tim Connelly's departure — with @sam_amick at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/pjnfYExvwP
Jokic’s close ties with Connelly
There had been speculations about his future with the Nuggets following news of the departure of team president Tim Connelly, who selected the 27-year-old as the 41st pick overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, and with whom the Serbian has good relations.
Connelly is moving to Minnesota in an agreement that would lead to him having equity in the Timberwolves franchise.
Jokic, however, seems happy enough to stay where he is. He had expressed last month that he desired to continue playing for Denver.
Jokic’s contract extension set to break records
If offered and signed, the two-time MVP’s deal will be the largest in the history of the NBA. Currently, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo holds the record for the biggest league contract at $228.2 million for five years, which gives him an annual salary of $45.64 million.
Jokic’s contract extension stands to make him a whopping $52 million a year.
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Denver’s big man has turned in an average of 30 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. The Nuggets are expected to be serious contenders in the West Conference next season if the team manages to stay healthy.
Guard Jamal Murray was sidelined by an ACL tear, while forward Michael Porter Jr. has been plagued by back problems.
How far would the Denver Nuggets have gone the past 2 seasons with a fully healthy in both 2021 and 2022?
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) May 27, 2022
I really believe a title (or 2) would've been completely on the table.
Such a f---ing bummer that #NuggLife robbed Nikola Jokic's 2 MVP seasons of their optimal outcomes.