At 27, Nikola Jokic barely attacks his prime. The Serb has only one season left under contract with the Nuggets which will earn him 32 million in 2022-23. Consequently, it is eligible for an extension as of this summer. And to secure his services over the long term, Denver could well break the bank. With seven years of experience in the League, the maximum salary for Jokic is located at 30% of the salary cap. But, thanks to his sporting achievements, in particular his title of MVP 2021, the Joker is eligible for the super max, i.e. 35% of the ceiling. If the two camps agree, this new deal will add five additional seasons to the contract of the pivot, which will be attached to Colorado until 2027-28. If the exact amount of the transaction will depend on the evolution of the salary cap, the most realistic projection would correspond to 253.75 million over 5 years, or 50.75 million annually. This would of course be a new record in the NBA.
The Nuggets who have already extended to the max Michael Porter Jr et Jamal Murray will certainly not take any risks with their player franchise. Reigning MVP, the Serb has produced an even better statistical line this season: 27.1 points 58.3% on shots, 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.5 steals. Leader of all these categories, he embodies the long-term project of the Nuggets. His agent, Misko Raznatovic, has also declared earlier that his player would sign this extension with Denver. A story confirmed by Jokic himself in daily life The Denver Post :
I think if the offer is on the table, of course I would accept it, because I really like the organization, I really like the people who work here. I have a very good relationship with everyone, from the owner to the equipment manager. I think we are building something here. We already have the parts and the tools. The only thing left for us to do is to be able to work together.
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