DENVER — Reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic declined a veteran-level extension this offseason, but the three-time NBA MVP said he intends to remain with the Denver Nuggets “forever,” according to Altitude Sports’ Chris Dempsey.
Nuggets
Denver expected Jokic to bypass a new deal in order to boost future earnings. By waiting until next summer, the 29-year-old can add an extra season and roughly $79 million to his contract. Current cap projections value a three-year maximum agreement beginning in the 2027-28 campaign at about $206.4 million; a four-year pact signed next offseason could reach approximately $285.4 million.
Jokic has often cited Tim Duncan’s 19-year tenure with the San Antonio Spurs as a model for spending his entire career with one franchise.
Spurs
Point guard De’Aaron Fox is not expected to appear in the preseason and is doubtful for opening night while he continues to recover from a hamstring issue, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reported. Fox underwent finger surgery late last season and said he feels capable of playing now, but the team is taking a cautious approach.
“I don’t think I’ll be ready for opening night,” Fox said. “I think I’m ready, but I don’t have that medical expertise.”
San Antonio is already thin at the position; No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper recently had thumb surgery and could also miss the start of the regular season.
Pistons
Detroit has until the end of training camp to finalize rookie-scale extensions with guard Jaden Ivey and center Jalen Duren. Team president Trajan Langdon said both players remain key pieces of the franchise whether or not deals are completed.
“We’re excited they’re both members of the Pistons,” Langdon told reporters on media day. “They will have huge roles — whether or not we get deals done, I don’t know if that happens.”
If agreements are not reached, Ivey and Duren would enter restricted free agency in July.
Source: Hoops Wire
