After The Stein Line reported that Nikola Jokic is considering holding off on a contract extension for the second straight summer, speculation about his future with the Denver Nuggets naturally arose. This is especially the case since Jokic has a player option before next offseason.
However, Jokic recently made it clear he plans to stay put and work out a deal next summer.Â
"My idea is to sign next summer and stay with Denver for the rest of my career," Jokic said.Â
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been bitter rivals with the Nuggets for the past several years. As such, the Nuggets losing Jokic would have directly impacted the Wolves. Yes, the Wolves beat the Nuggets in the first-round of the playoffs this past season. Still, it would benefit the Wolves greatly to have one less team in the West to worry about. Furthermore, it would be awesome for the Timberwolves to see one of their arch-rivals lose their generational star.
Based on Jokic's comments, though, it sounds like the Timberwolves will have to brace for Jokic to stay in Denver for the foreseeable future.Â
It's worth noting that by signing a new deal next summer, Jokic can stay in Denver for five years (instead of four) and get a no-trade clause. As such, this quote isn't simply him making false promises; there's a clear incentive for him to wait until next summer.
Jokic staying with the Nuggets isn't great news for the Timberwolves
After the playoffs and trading for LaMelo Ball, it does seem like the Timberwolves have put the Nuggets in the rearview mirror.
Regardless, as long as the Nuggets have Jokic, they can't be written off entirely. Likewise, despite their constant cost-cutting measures, at some point the Nuggets could try to improve their roster around Jokic, particularly with the need for a new deal.
And if they do, the Nuggets could remain a legitimate challenge for the Timberwolves amid their pursuit of a championship. It's fair to wonder how trading for LaMelo will affect the Wolves' ability to handle Denver's frontcourt size.
Look, trading for LaMelo was good, and it certainly wasn't done with Denver in mind. The point is that the Nuggets could still pose some level of a threat to Minnesota both in the long and short term.
Frankly, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs positioned for long-term success, the last thing Minnesota needs is another threat -- with Jokic primed to stay put, that's exactly what the Nuggets are, though.
To be clear, I'd still take the Wolves over the Nuggets, but Jokic's commitment to Denver isn't a good thing for the Timberwolves.Â
While it might have been easy to get excited about Jokic possibly leaving and the Wolves' path to a championship getting easier, his comments confirm that Minnesota will still have to deal with the Nuggets.
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