Proposed Timberwolves Trade Would Bring Nikola Jokić to Minnesota

by Christian BongiornoJuly 16, 2026, 2:13 pm >

The NBA offseason has featured several blockbuster moves that have reshaped the league. The Miami Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Brooklyn Nets landed Julius Randle, and the Philadelphia 76ers sent Paul George to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Jaylen Brown. While many of the league’s biggest stars changed teams, one proposed trade would send three-time MVP Nikola Jokić of the Nuggets to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In this hypothetical proposal, Minnesota would send Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Joan Beringer, Terrence Shannon Jr., multiple first-round picks and a 2030 second-round pick to the Nuggets in exchange for Jokić.

The 31-year-old carries a $59 million cap hit for the 2026-27 season and holds a $62.8 million player option for the following year. Jokić has delayed extension talks until next summer, positioning himself to potentially sign a record-setting five-year supermax contract. Denver has limited salary-cap flexibility this offseason, restricting its ability to improve the roster around its franchise star. The Nuggets recently signed Marvin Bagley III to a one-year contract to add veteran depth in the frontcourt.

Denver would likely consider trading its franchise cornerstone only if Jokić refused to re-sign next summer, allowing the Nuggets to recoup significant assets rather than risk losing him for nothing.

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Retaining Jokić long-term could require moving on from valuable veterans such as Aaron Gordon or Peyton Watson to create additional financial flexibility. Gordon is set to earn $33.6 million this season and has dealt with injuries throughout his career, making him a potential trade candidate.

Watson, meanwhile, is coming off a breakout 2025 campaign and is reportedly seeking an extension worth roughly $25 million annually. A new contract at that price would further increase Denver’s luxury-tax burden, making him another player the Nuggets could explore moving if they prioritize cap flexibility.

A core of Jokić, Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball would give the Timberwolves one of the NBA’s most talented trios. While acquiring a three-time MVP would come at a steep cost, the move could position Minnesota to contend for its first NBA championship.