“Money Matters to Him”: Nikola Jokic Urged to Send a Definitive Message to Nuggets Amid Uncertain Future

Three-time NBA MVP and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic has been eligible to sign a contract extension since June, but he has chosen to wait until next summer. That decision has sparked debate. Is it simply a financial strategy, or does it cast doubt on his long-term commitment?

ESPN senior NBA insider Brian Windhorst described Jokic’s delay as a “cloud on the horizon” during an appearance on Moser, Lombardi & Kane. He suggested rival organizations might begin clearing cap space under the assumption that Jokic could eventually become available.

Yet Denver sports radio host Vic Lombardi pushed back, insisting Jokic’s loyalty is intact and that money is the driving factor.

"Here's how I look at it," Lombardi said in response to Windhorst. "I know Nikola very well. Can't you send a message while at the same time, understand that you're not going anywhere? You could do both"

Lombardi then employed hyperbole in emphasizing Jokic's value, saying that even if he lost a limb, the Nuggets would still offer him a supermax.

"For him, it's not a roll of the dice," Lombardi continued. "The most money he can make is via the Denver Nuggets. It's not moving to another team. Money matters. People may not agree, but money matters to him."

There are already some who think Jokic's decision to delay signing an extension is about money.

If Jokic signs an extension this summer, he would be eligible for a four-year, $279 million deal. By waiting until next year, projections show he could secure a five-year contract worth $359.5 million, nearly $80 million more, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Nikola Jokic Has Reaffirmed His Desire To Remain A Nugget For Life

Despite the chatter, Nikola Jokic has never once dropped a hint that he wanted to leave for another team. Every single time his NBA future is discussed, he says that he wants to spend his entire career in a Denver Nuggets uniform.

Not a single search regarding this conversation would yield a different result, even after early playoff exits in the last three seasons.

In fact, even after a disappointing first-round exit last year against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokic was clear that staying in Denver for life was what he wanted.

In an article posted on NBA.com, the Serbian superstar was quoted as saying. "I still want to be with the Nuggets forever."

Should Jokic reach free agency in 2027, teams with cap space and even those willing to make drastic moves would line up for the chance to sign him.

For now, though, the Nuggets hold the advantage of loyalty, financial leverage, and the ability to offer the richest deal in NBA history.