By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Intriguing scenarios about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic in the NBA constantly surface, with the Golden State Warriors involved in a report by senior NBA writer Sam Amick.
“They want to maintain maximum flexibility for that 2027 summer,” noted Amick, “The Warriors, who are well aware that Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Denver’s Nikola Jokic both have player options for the 2027-28 season, are hardly alone on this star-hunting front. High-profile teams like the Lakers and Clippers have sent similar signals in recent months.”
The story is connected to longstanding contract talks with Jonathan Kuminga, with the Warriors apparently planning to have salary cap space in 2027.
A similar report in July linked the Los Angeles Lakers to Jokic and Giannis, alongside more interested teams, the likes of the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers. Certainly, the opportunity to secure the services of such superstars is appealing, especially for franchises located in big markets.
During the offseason, Jokic skipped a contract extension with the Nuggets, but maintained eligibility for a four-year contract worth approximately $285 million for the next summer. If he opts against re-signing with his current team and eventually also declines a player option for the 2027-28 season, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Giannis is also under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season and has a player option for the 2027-28 season, placing him in the same boat with the Joker. However, this summer carried much more noise about his future with the Bucks, which can elevate to concrete situations, depending on the 2025-26 campaign in Milwaukee.
On the same foundation, other suitors constantly emerging can lead all the way to a trade involving the Serbian and Greek superstars, before their possible availability in the free-agent market.