Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer.

The Denver Nuggets thought they had finally found an ideal backup center for Nikola Jokic when they were able to convince the Sacramento Kings to trade Jonas Valanciunas for Dario Saric. It was a brilliant trade to give them a rotational-level player, especially considering that Saric couldn't crack into the rotation at all.

Nikola Jokic has informed the Nuggets he will not sign a contract extension this offseason, team sources told The Denver Post, as the three-time MVP intends to wait until next summer to engage in contract talks.

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets failed to reach an extension, sparking wild speculation, including a surprise Pistons connection.

Nikola Jokić reportedly won't sign a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this offseason, but that is not as troubling of a situation for the Western Conference team as it may seem.

Nikola Jokic is eligible for a contract extension with the Nuggets, but will he take it now in NBA free agency or wait for a larger deal?

Nikola Jokic does not want a new contract with the Denver Nuggets. At least not yet. The Denver Nuggets underwent an overhaul similar to that of the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers did in the 2025 offseason.

Jokic is eligible for a three-year, $206.4 million extension as of July 8 — and Nuggets management has said they would offer it — but he told the Denver Nuggets that he is not going to sign it this summer, waiting to discuss a contract with the team next summer, reports Bennett Durando of the Denver Post.

"First time we have our backup with a similar skillset to Nikola Jokic" – David Adelman sees Jonas Valanciunas as a perfect fit for the Nuggets originally appeared on Basketball Network.