Nikola Jokic is the engine that turned Denver into a champion. The three-time MVP signed a five-year, $276 million extension in 2022 but has recently been subjected to trade rumors. The contract runs through the 2027-28 season, but his decision to delay an extension this summer has sparked league-wide attention. This move, while financially smart for the player, introduces a subtle layer of uncertainty about the long-term future of the league’s best center. The Nuggets’ entire team-building strategy revolves around maximizing his prime years. However, that does not means teams have not taken notice.

This overarching focus on Nikola Jokic’s future now casts a shadow on the immediate decisions regarding his teammates. The Nuggets made a significant move this offseason by trading Michael Porter Jr. to acquire Cam Johnson, who had a breakout year for the Brooklyn Nets.

On a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show, The Athletic’s Sam Amick shed light on the situation. He revealed that despite no outward panic in Denver, several rival teams are operating with Jokic in mind for the future. “I’m an actions-over-words person,” Amick said. “And my thing is that just because there’s no panic in Denver, which that does matter to me, that has not stopped some of these other teams from making decisions that are at least in part tied to the type of players who might be available in the summer of 27 and Joker being one of them”.

Amick named the Lakers, Clippers and the Warriors among the interested teams, quoting “I mean, Lakers and the Clippers are, you know, obviously a mess right now otherwise, but they are, you know, signaling that they want the freedom in 27. The Warriors are doing the same thing. Um, that’s not just about Giannis. That’s about the possibility of Joker”. Implying that they want room to maneuver in 2027 which helps explain the cautious approach around extensions and long term commitments.

The insider even referenced a Bucks official who was pleased to see Jokic included in speculation, joking they “were tired of Giannis being by himself” in trade rumors. This league-wide positioning for a potential Nikola Jokic sweepstakes in 2027 means the Nuggets must carefully manage every dollar they spend between now and then to prove they can remain title contenders.

Put plainly, the Jokic timeline raises hard arithmetic for Denver and that math reaches all the way to role players who might otherwise be locked in. Jokic can wait and convert a three-year extension offer into a four-year deal that is worth roughly eighty million more by delaying talks, which will take the extension to around $293 million. Meanwhile, the Nuggets cleared significant salary by trading Michael Porter Jr and taking on Cam Johnson’s cheaper two year contract, saving roughly thirty six million across the next two seasons and creating space to chase depth or keep flexibility for 2027 moves.

The organization has some breathing room but also a ticking calendar tied to Jokic’s future and the large market teams who seek superstars in 2027.

Cam Johnson must prove he is the upgrade

Cam Johnson arrived in Denver with a clear opportunity to become a long term fixture alongside Jokic. The trade that brought him from Brooklyn was largely motivated by the need to escape Michael Porter Jr.’s massive contract. Porter was due $38.3 million this season, while Johnson will earn a more manageable $21 million. The Nuggets also sent an unprotected 2032 first round pick to the Nets, a sign of how desperate they were for financial relief.

Now, Johnson must prove he is more than just a salary dump. He is entering his prime and coming off a career best season where he averaged 18.8 points per game. The Nuggets need him to be a reliable third option behind Jokic and Jamal Murray. However, the new front office seems inclined to be patient. Amick expressed this cautious approach, stating, “The only thing it would make me nervous if you’re the Nuggets like I want to see it first I I want to see that he was an upgrade over MPJ”.

The expectation is that Johnson will provide similar floor spacing with better defensive consistency than Porter. His career 39.2 percent shooting from three point range is nearly identical to Porter’s. Where the team hopes he improves the roster is with his playmaking and defensive effort, areas where Porter was often criticized. Johnson has two years left on his current deal, giving Denver ample time to evaluate his fit before discussing an extension.

Ultimately, the decision on Johnson’s future is tied to Jokic’s timeline. The Nuggets are walking a tightrope, trying to win now while keeping an eye on the 2027 horizon. “I don’t know that you’d want to turn and then attach a big number to Cameron right away,” Amick concluded. For Johnson, a strong season is essential not just for a new contract, but for proving he is part of the solution to keeping the MVP in Denver for years to come.