Two years after winning a championship, Nikola Jokic declined to sign a three-year $200 million extension with the Denver Nuggets. It looked like another situation where a star chases the big market. With many teams having cap space next summer, teams like the Lakers and Warriors would all stand a chance. But Jokic’s rejection of a contract renewal was never about an uncertain future.

During the Nuggets media day, a reporter asked the Joker whether he is contemplating his future with the Nuggets. To sum it up in short, the three-time MVP is fully keen on signing next season. “My plan is to be a Nugget forever,” he told the media. His decision, as expected, was purely for financial gain.

“I think those contract extensions come as a reward. As something that’s natural to the sport. Especially in today’s NBA you see how the salary cap is going and everything,” Nikola Jokic clarified.

The reward in question is massive. Just by waiting one year, Nikola Jokic will be eligible to sign a longer deal for just under $300 million. That is an additional $80 million for the Joker, who has helped resurrect the Nuggets as one of the most consistent teams in the West. And there’s no worry about the Nuggets extending that option to the Serbian either.

Team president Josh Kroenke has made it clear. “We’re definitely going to offer it. I’m not sure if he’s going to accept it or not,” he said. Now the Nuggets are sure. The three-time MVP and one of the most accomplished players in the NBA wants to continue his legacy in Denver. And the front office hasn’t disappointed either.

After taking the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to seven games during the playoffs, they have surrounded Jokic with a roster that is much more complete than last season.

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets chase another championship

The Nuggets came within touching distance of making the conference finals again. Despite the effort, it was evident that a few changes were needed. Relying on just Nikola Jokic wasn’t sustainable. Furthermore, the Nuggets also needed to restructure their roster to become better on the defensive end.

The offseason addressed all of those concerns. The Nuggets made ravishing additions, replacing Michael Porter Jr. with Cameron Johnson. The 29-year-old is fresh off a breakout season, averaging a career-high 18.8 points. It’s a like-for-like swap with both being sharpshooters, but Johnson’s defensive versatility allows for a better fit.

Additionally, the Nuggets also prioritized carrying a deeper roster. With Jamal Murray showing some inconsistencies, they added Tim Hardaway Jr. and welcomed back Bruce Brown to strengthen their backcourt. Jonas Valanciunas, a promising backup center, will help the Nuggets manage minutes without the Joker, utilizing their depth as a weapon.

With their offseason moves, the Nuggets didn’t just add shooting, defense, and offense — they added basketball IQ and playoff-tested experience.

For proof of how valuable those qualities can be, look no further than last season. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s championship run was powered in part by two savvy pickups: Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein. Both proved pivotal in OKC’s upset of Denver, with their defensive versatility even being deployed directly against Nikola Jokić to slow him down.

This summer, Denver countered with its own veteran reinforcements. Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. arrive carrying years of postseason mileage. Brown, in particular, brings championship credibility after his breakout role during the Nets’ playoff pushes and later as a key piece of the Nuggets’ 2023 title run. Johnson showed his value on the Suns’ Finals team in 2021, while Hardaway has logged deep playoff minutes in Dallas and steadied rotations in Detroit.

Individually, they may not shift headlines. But collectively, their battle-tested resumes could be the very pieces that move the needle- and potentially swing a rematch against the defending champions.

The front office managed to do all of this without losing a major part of its core. Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon are expected to take another leap after their contributions last season. Even if Jokic’s signing an extension was a doubt, the Nuggets building around his strengths is an encouraging sign. How do you think the Nuggets will do this season? Let us know your views in the comments below.