BREAKING: Jokic’s Agent Misko Raznatovic Issues Latest Update on Nikola’s Potential Departure from Denver After NBA Star Declined Nuggets’ Stagnant Offer….
Speculation about Nikola Jokić’s future with the Denver Nuggets has intensified following their second consecutive elimination in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
If the three-time MVP decides to leave Denver, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently the frontrunners to sign him, according to betting odds released by Bovada. The Lakers lead the pack at +310, followed by the New York Knicks at +410. The Boston Celtics are a more distant third at +800, while the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors are tied at +900. Also in the top mix are the Miami Heat (+1100) and the Los Angeles Clippers (+1200).
Other teams listed as longshots include the Dallas Mavericks (+1400), Charlotte Hornets (+4500), and Utah Jazz (+5000).
Jokić’s candid remarks after Denver’s blowout Game 7 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder have fueled speculation about his commitment to the team. Reflecting on the team’s championship viability, he told reporters:
“I mean, we didn’t [win], so obviously we can’t. If we could, we would win it. I don’t believe in those ‘if’ situations. We had the chance, and we didn’t win — so I don’t think we can.”
Jokić Faces Crucial Offseason Decision
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Jokić is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason. He has the option to add a three-year, $212.2 million maximum extension if he declines his current player option. Alternatively, he could wait until 2026 to sign a more lucrative four-year, $293.4 million extension.
Should Jokić choose not to extend his contract this summer, it could create uncertainty and pressure for the Nuggets heading into a critical upcoming season.
Jokić also appeared to subtly challenge the team’s management, pointing out the lack of depth on the Nuggets’ roster compared to this year’s top-performing teams.
“It seems like the teams that have longer benches — deeper rotations — are the ones succeeding: Indiana, OKC, Minnesota,” he noted.
Michael Porter Jr. Suggests Roster Changes May Be Imminent
Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. hinted at possible changes within the team following their early playoff exit. Speaking to The Denver Post, he said:
“Everyone in this locker room means a lot to me. I don’t know if we’ll have the same group next year. But whatever comes next for me or this team, I know the guys will be ready.”
Porter Jr., who still has two years left on his five-year, $207 million contract, is owed $79 million through the 2026 season. He struggled significantly during the second-round series, averaging just 7.4 points per game on 32.3% shooting from the field and 25% from beyond the arc — a steep decline from his regular-season performance of 18.2 points per game on 50.4% shooting and 39.5% from three-point range.
He attributed his poor performance to a sprained left shoulder sustained during the first-round series against the Clippers.
“I’m personally devastated for not being able to contribute the way I wanted to,” Porter admitted. “I felt kind of helpless out there — like I was trying, but couldn’t rebound or box out the way I usually do.”
