New NBA Rumors on Nikola Jokic's Contract Talks, Nuggets' Trade Plans Ahead of Free Agency

For a second consecutive offseason, the Denver Nuggets and superstar center Nikola Jokić are reportedly eschewing contract extension talks.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Jokić told the Nuggets last offseason that he wanted to wait a year before exploring an extension, but now that a year has passed, the two sides are "electing to take the same step and holding off on extension talks."

The Nuggets' primary focus is on improving the team around Jokić with Stein and Fischer reporting that Denver is "actively pursuing trades."

Rather than Jokić pushing them to do so, the Nuggets' desire to bolster his supporting cast is reportedly a result of them wanting to keep up with other Western Conference powers such as the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves.

According to Stein and Fischer, the Nuggets also want to create enough financial flexibility to ensure that they can afford to match any offer sheet that is potentially signed by restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson.

While the Nuggets are reportedly "confident" they will be able to retain Watson, there is a "growing anticipation" that they will have to move on from at least one of the regulars from last season's team in order to do so.

Stein and Fischer noted that it is "increasingly anticipated" that Jonas Valančiūnas and possibly Tim Hardaway Jr. will play elsewhere next season, and it was also reported that Aaron Gordon is generating trade interest, although the Nuggets would prefer to trade Cam Johnson or Christian Braun if need be.

The 31-year-old Jokić is an eight-time All-Star and three-time NBA MVP who led the Nuggets to a championship and won NBA Finals MVP honors in 2023.

Jokić has finished first or second in the NBA MVP voting in each of the past six seasons, underscoring his remarkable run as one of the league's elite players.

He finished second to Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each of the past two seasons, but he easily could have won the award either time, including last season when he averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game.

It marked Jokić's second straight season averaging a triple-double, plus he led the league in both rebounding and assists per contest.

Jokić is signed for one more season before having a player option for the 2027-28 campaign, so it is understandable if Denver would like to get him locked up long term right now.

However, if Jokić decides against negotiating, there figures to be some pressure on Denver's front office to put together a roster capable of besting the first-round playoff exit the Nuggets experienced last season, and the second-round exits they had the previous two seasons.