Nikola Jokic's Nuggets Sign Ex-Mavs Guard in a Massive Deal

Despite being in a sticky situation, the Denver Nuggets have figured out a way to bring in Ryan Nembhard. The Nuggets are already in the second apron and have very limited options when offering contracts or initiating trade deals. Essentially, they have little to no room to make transactions at this point.

However, the Nuggets managed to sign the former Dallas Mavericks rookie by offering him a two-way contract, per NBA insider Shams Charania.

"Guard Ryan Nembhard has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the Denver Nuggets," Charania reported on Instagram.

It's been a wild summer for Nembhard. Prior to signing his two-way deal with the Nuggets, he technically still had one year remaining in his contract with the Mavericks. However, in July, Dallas decided to trade him to the Atlanta Hawks.

This came as a surprise, especially given how Nemhard performed in his rookie season. Out of the 60 regular-season games he played, Nemhard started in 27 games. He also had a high usage rate, averaging 19.5 minutes per game. Within that time, he averaged 6.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds.

While some believed his journey this summer would stop in Atlanta, the Hawks traded him to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a package that included Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Unfortunately for Nembhard, the Hornets then waived his remaining $2.1 million in his contract. The good news is that the Nuggets saw his potential and made space for Nembhard by waiving two-way guard KJ Simpson.

The bad news? Given that he'll be playing under a new two-way deal, Nembhard is expected to make approximately $585,000. That's less than half of what he was supposed to make before getting waived by the Hornets.

Now that Nembhard will be in a Nuggets uniform, let's see how he helps Nikola Jokic and co.

Nikola Jokic Guarantees Future With Nuggets

Without question, Nikola Jokic has become the undisputed face of the Denver Nuggets. While many will always argue that basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony is also worthy of that position, Jokic was the only franchise player to lead the Nuggets to an NBA championship.

At 31 years old, Jokic is still in his prime. Last season, the Serbian giant averaged his second consecutive triple-double season. The Joker put up 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 1.4 steals, while shooting an efficient 56.9% from the field.

Given those numbers, who wouldn't want to have Jokic on their team? With that said, many are wondering why the Joker hasn't signed an extension with the Nuggets yet. Jokic's contract is set to expire soon, as he enters the fourth year of his current five-year deal, with the fifth year a player option.

Many have speculated that, because the Nuggets have failed to replicate their 2023 success, the Serbian giant might test free agency in the summer of 2027. Fortunately for Denver, it may not be the case.

During a Monday interview with Jokic at the Nuggets' media day, he reassured fans that he intends to stay with the team. Jokic declared that he intends to sign a contract extension next summer.

"I'm going to sign next year, if they want me," Jokic humorously said.

Apparently, by delaying his extension, Jokic has increased his contract value. Sources report that the Joker is now eligible to sign a record five-year supermax contract worth $350 million to $360 million. That's nearly $100 million compared to his current contract, which is worth $276.1 million.