Nikola Jokic Says Nuggets Are ‘Far’ From Contention Following First Round Exit

After an extremely disappointing end to the year for the Denver Nuggets and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, they head into an off-season of unknowns.

Following a game six and series loss to the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves, Jokic reiterated to the media that he still wants “to be a Nugget forever.”

Jokic, 31, has two years remaining on his contract worth $121.9 million. He has a player option he could exercise following the 2027 season.

The Nuggets’ franchise superstar will be eligible for a supermax extension, which would be for four years and nearly $278 million. The Nuggets will almost surely offer him that supermax, but it is up to Jokic whether his words stay true.

Jokic is not pleased with how the Nuggets’ season went, with the team showing inconsistency throughout the year and battling injuries.

“We just lost in the first round,” Jokic said following the loss. “I think we are far away [from title contention].”

The Nuggets are three years removed from winning the NBA Championship and have failed to return, which is something they need to prioritize during Jokic’s prime years.

With Aaron Gordon going down with an injury, his future with the Nuggets is uncertain, along with All-Star point guard Jamal Murray, who is being paid a ton of money.

The Nuggets front office could elect to shake things up entirely and build a completely new team around Jokic, but moving Murray remains highly unlikely.