Nikola Jokić optimistic about present and future of revamped Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets gave Nikola Jokić exactly what he wanted this offseason — more depth. After watching Oklahoma City’s deep rotation outlast Denver in a seven-game second-round series on their way to an NBA title, the Nuggets reshaped their roster to ensure they’d be better prepared. The moves aren’t just about fresher legs for the postseason but also about positioning Jokić for a record-setting payday next summer.

Jokić chose not to sign a four-year, $212 million extension this offseason, knowing he’ll be eligible for a four-year, $293 million deal next year. The two-time MVP downplayed the money, saying extensions are simply part of the game as the salary cap rises. Though he didn’t explicitly commit to signing in 2026, he made his intentions clear: “My plan is to be a Nugget forever.” Currently entering the third year of his five-year, $276 million supermax, Jokić is energized by the Nuggets’ revamped direction.

This offseason, Denver promoted David Adelman to head coach, replaced GM Calvin Booth with Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace, and reshaped the roster by trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and cap flexibility. The Nuggets also re-signed Bruce Brown, added Tim Hardaway Jr., traded for Jonas Valanciunas, and expect rookie DaRon Holmes back from an Achilles injury. “We have a bunch of new guys, Holmes healthy, Bruce is back — it’s new energy, a new beginning,” Jokić said. Brown, who left Denver after the 2023 title run, admitted he had been eager to return: “As soon as I got [to Toronto], I wanted to come back.”