UPDATE: In a bold statement, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic declared his intention to remain with the team, stating, “My plan is to be a Nugget forever.” This commitment comes as the Nuggets restructured their roster with significant offseason moves aimed at building on their recent championship success.
The Nuggets made key additions, enhancing their depth following a hard-fought second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder that ended with Denver’s championship victory two seasons ago. With an eye on the future, the team is poised to offer Jokic a staggering $293 million contract extension next summer, compared to the $212 million deal he bypassed this year.
Jokic, currently in the third year of his $276 million supermax contract, emphasized the natural progression of such contracts in today’s NBA landscape. “I think those contract extensions come as a reward,” he remarked, highlighting the increasing salary cap in the league.
Recent changes within the Nuggets organization have injected new energy into the team. The interim tag was removed from coach David Adelman, and a revamped management team, including new general managers Ben Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace, is set to lead the team forward. Jokic expressed enthusiasm about the offseason adjustments, stating, “They definitely changed the team.”
Among the notable roster changes, the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets, acquiring sharpshooter Cam Johnson in return. Additionally, the team brought back key player Bruce Brown, who played a pivotal role in their championship run before briefly signing with Indianapolis. Brown stated he eagerly anticipated returning to Denver, saying, “I wanted to come back.”
The Nuggets also added veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. and traded for center Jonas Valanciunas, who will provide backup for Jokic and potentially share the court with him. The team is also optimistic about the return of DaRon Holmes, who missed last season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
“We have a bunch of new guys. We have Holmes healthy. It’s a new energy, new beginning for us,” Jokic said, expressing hope for the upcoming season as the Nuggets look to defend their title.
As the NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on the Denver Nuggets to see how these changes unfold under the leadership of Jokic and the revamped roster. Fans are eager to witness whether the team can replicate its previous success and continue to elevate its standing in the league.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Nuggets prepare for training camp and the upcoming season!
