With NBA franchises already dreaming of a potential free agency sweepstakes, Nikola Jokic has issued a definitive response.

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the reigning Nuggets superstar made it clear that his focus is solely on Denver and contending for another championship, publicly declaring his intention to remain with the team for the long haul.

Jokic, set to earn $55.2 million this season, brushed aside questions about contract extensions by emphasizing that his future lies in Denver. “My plan is to be a Nugget forever,” the Serbian center told the media, shutting the door on ongoing speculation about a possible exit.

Contract Structure Leaves Little Hope for Rivals

Jokic’s current deal, a five-year, $276 million max extension signed in 2023, guarantees his presence through at least the 2026-27 campaign.

Following that season, he holds a player option worth $62.8 million for 2027-28, making him eligible for free agency only if he declines it at age 32. While the ever-changing NBA landscape has seen superstars frequently switch teams, Jokic’s contract structure makes a move highly unlikely in the near future.

The Nuggets, with a multi-year championship window and Jokic at the heart of their plans, offer him both competitive stability and financial reward, leaving rival front offices with little realistic hope.

Legacy and Focus Remain in Denver

A second-round pick in 2014, Jokic has rewritten the history books for the Nuggets, amassing three MVPs, an NBA Finals MVP, and multiple All-Star and All-NBA honors.

He enters the new season fully focused on chasing a second championship, rather than pondering his next contract or entertaining outside pitches. Jokic’s legacy as a Denver great appears all but sealed, with a future Hall of Fame induction likely.

For now, trade scenarios and free agency fantasies are only that—fantasies. Denver fans can rest assured: Jokic continues to play at his peak, committed to bringing more glory to the franchise.