Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic is not expected to rush into a contract extension, league sources told reporters Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Although the three-time MVP can sign a new agreement this summer, the belief is that he may postpone talks until 2027, confident a comparable offer will still be available next year. Jokic has repeatedly stated his desire to spend his entire career in Denver, and executive vice president Ben Tenzer recently expressed confidence in the team’s relationship with its franchise center. The Nuggets are also evaluating trade possibilities aimed at bolstering the roster following another early playoff exit.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The framework of Isaiah Hartenstein’s next contract is becoming clear, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Oklahoma City will decline the center’s $28.5 million team option and instead grant him a three-year, $75 million agreement featuring a 15 percent trade kicker and a mutual option in the final season. The structure reduces Hartenstein’s cap hit for 2024-25, giving the Thunder additional flexibility as they work to stay under the second tax apron. That priority has already prompted salary-clearing deals that sent Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins elsewhere, while decisions on Luguentz Dort and Kenrich Williams are still pending.
Golden State Warriors
Veteran forward Al Horford’s new contract with Golden State will include a protective clause, reports Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. The two-year, $14 million deal contains a 15 percent trade kicker after Horford declined his $6 million player option to remain with the Warriors. Earlier reports from ESPN’s Anthony Slater and Shams Charania had noted the presence of a trade kicker, but the percentage was not disclosed until now.
Source: Hoops Wire
