​Nikola Jokic could still depart the Nuggets despite his recent remarks, according to an insider who originally published the note on The Sporting News. The Sporting News should be added as a preferred source by clicking here. Jokic has repeatedly stated his intention to sign an extension with the Denver Nuggets next offseason, a sentiment he reiterated on Monday. Yet despite his clear declarations, there remains a persistent line of thought that Jokic could become available this offseason and might not return to Denver.
We keep hearing that Jokic continues to insist—without wavering—that he plans to spend his entire career with the Nuggets and has no desire to play anywhere else. He has voiced this consistently, and the Nuggets have echoed his stance publicly and privately, signaling their belief in his words. Nevertheless, as The Stein Line notes, there is a degree of anxiety surrounding Jokic’s future in the Rocky Mountains heading into the upcoming season that has not been as pronounced before. The tension is palpable for both Denver and its fan base as they brace for what lies ahead.
To some extent, the unease is understandable. Jokic is widely regarded as one of the top players in the NBA, with many observers considering him the best player in the league by a wide margin. That reality naturally fuels speculation about where his career might lead next, especially if circumstances shift or if the Nuggets’ championship window changes.
At the same time, it’s equally important to acknowledge that Jokic appears to be enjoying his time in Denver at this stage. If his mood toward the city, team, and the organization remains largely positive in the coming months—through the start of the season and beyond—then the notion of him seeking an exit seems less likely to gain traction.
For now, the discussion feels more like a baseline reality-check than an imminent concern. It’s a topic that will likely persist as the calendar turns the page toward another year, but unless Jokic’s perspective shifts dramatically, it may be more of a theoretical conversation than an imminent development. The reality remains that Jokic has shown a clear preference to stay with the Nuggets, and the organization has repeatedly signaled their commitment to him as a cornerstone of the franchise.
As the season approaches, fans and pundits will continue to weigh Jokic’s public statements against the practical realities of roster construction, salary cap dynamics, and the Nuggets’ ability to compete at the highest level. The balance of available information suggests that Jokic’s intention is still to remain in Denver, but the league’s unpredictable nature means nothing can be completely ruled out, and the possibility of a future move—no matter how improbable it may seem today—will continue to be a talking point among insiders and analysts.
In the end, the strength of Jokic’s bond with the Nuggets appears robust for the moment, and his enjoyment of his current situation appears genuine. If that sentiment holds steady over the coming months, the likelihood of a surprising departure will remain low. If not, the door would appropriately swing open for serious discussions about what a post-Nuggets future might look like for a player of Jokic’s stature.