Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokić is a center for the Denver Nuggets whose passing, touch and decision-making have redefined how an NBA offense can run through a big man. Born on February 19, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia, Jokić developed professionally with Mega Basket before Denver selected him with the 41st pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. He joined the Nuggets in 2015 and grew from a second-round prospect into the central figure in the franchise's most successful era.

Jokić won consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player awards in 2021 and 2022, then earned the honor for a third time in 2024. In 2023, he led Denver to the first championship in franchise history and was named NBA Finals MVP. His game combines interior scoring and rebounding with exceptional vision: he regularly initiates offense from the post, elbows and perimeter, creating efficient shots for teammates while remaining a high-volume scorer himself.

During the 2025-26 season, Jokić averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game and finished second in MVP voting. Entering 2026-27, he remained committed to Denver while postponing a new extension until 2027, when he can qualify for a larger long-term contract. His stated preference is to spend his entire NBA career with the Nuggets.

Jokić is playing under the five-year designated veteran extension he signed with Denver in July 2022. The contract began in 2023-24 and is worth approximately $276 million, with an average annual value of about $55 million.

He is scheduled to earn approximately $59 million in 2026-27. The final season, 2027-28, carries a player option worth about $63 million. Jokić chose not to add a new extension in 2026, preserving eligibility for a longer and more valuable supermax agreement in 2027 while publicly reiterating that he intends to remain in Denver.

Designated veteran extension signed using Bird rights. The 2027-28 season is a player option. Jokić deferred a possible extension in 2026 and can pursue a longer supermax deal in 2027. All monetary figures are rounded estimates.