By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Before the start of training camp for the 2025/26 NBA season, Nikola Jokic spoke at Media Day about his future with the Denver Nuggets. The 30-year-old center is entering his 11th NBA season.
This summer, Jokic became eligible for a three-year, $206 million contract extension but chose not to sign it. It wasn’t about testing free agency — he’s likely waiting for a bigger deal next summer, which could bring higher annual salaries and about $80 million more in guaranteed money.
“I think those contracts, extensions come as a reward, as something that is natural to the sport. Especially in today’s NBA, how you see how the salary cap is growing and everything. So, my plan is to be a Nugget forever, so that’s my answer,” Jokic said.
When asked about his game heading into the next season and what to expect from him now that he is 30, he replied in his usual style:
“We’re gonna see in 24 days. Hopefully, I’m still on the same level, and we will see. I don’t know. I don’t know. I didn’t play an NBA game in four months, five months, four. So we will see in 24 days… I still feel good. My body feels good.”
Jokic said playing in the 2025 EuroBasket gave him valuable experience with different teammates, styles, and rules.
“It helps to play different type of basketball, different teammates, rules… It gives you some other options, some small plays, that you can learn. You can learn from every player that I played against at the European championship. It definitelly helps.”
He also spoke about teaming up with Jonas Valanciunas.
“Definiteally a treat. Little bit different version of me. He is gonna help us a lot in defense, on rebounds, against smaller lineups that he can attack under the basket. How many years he is in the NBA? 14? He played with a lot of good plazers and teams and can definitelly help us with his leadership.”