The Denver Nuggets fell short of winning a title this past season, and the team is entering the offseason with a lot of questions. The depth around the stars of the Nuggets is lacking, and the front office will need to get creative this summer.
Denver is expected to be very active in trying to upgrade the team around star center Nikola Jokic. But Jokic is also eligible to receive a contract extension from the Nuggets this summer.
However, due to the uncertainty of the roster around him, it may be better for Jokic to avoid signing the extension. NBA writer Dan Favale of Bleacher Report has predicted that Jokic will reject the extension offer from Denver this summer.
"Jokic can take control of the situation by passing on the extension. Few consider him a future flight risk, and he stands to guarantee himself more money by waiting. But rejecting the deal puts implicit pressure on Denver to avoid complacency. And while the Nuggets shouldn't need that type of reality check, they apparently can't be trusted to do right by their megastar without it," Favale wrote.
Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets superstar center Nikola Jokic.
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
By doing this, Jokic could hold the power within the Nuggets organization. Jokic is generally seen as one of the top players in the NBA, and while he would likely prefer to stay in Denver, he wants to win more than anything.
If Jokic were to leave the organization, he could receive massive offers in free agency. Or the Nuggets could look to move him for a gigantic trade return.
For now, Jokic will remain with the Nuggets, but his future could be hinted at with the potential extension. If he doesn't sign it, his time in Denver could be limited.