Nikola Jokic’s future in Denver is drawing attention across the league, and the Golden State Warriors are already being mentioned as a team watching closely.
Jokic could have the chance to decide where he wants to play this summer, even though the expectation around the NBA is still that he stays with the Nuggets. Denver is prepared to offer him the biggest contract in league history, a projected five-year deal worth $360 million.
“Every league source I've spoken to over the years and in recent weeks has reiterated that no one really expects Jokić to leave Denver. Waiting also makes financial sense: Next summer, he could sign a projected five-year, $360 million deal - the richest deal in NBA history," Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O'Connor wrote.
Still, there is real concern in Denver that the rest of the roster could create enough doubt to keep other teams dreaming. The Athletic’s John Hollinger noted that while Jokic has said he wants to remain with the Nuggets and sign that massive deal, “there is justifiable paranoia in the Mile High City that the shortcomings of the rest of the roster may cause his eye to wander. Certainly, 29 other teams are scheming for how they might lure him away come July,”
Among those teams, Golden State stands out. The Warriors are being linked to the idea of chasing the three-time MVP if he ever reaches free agency, with the appeal being obvious: Jokic alongside Steph Curry would give them another shot at a title run.
“The Warriors are one of those teams out there that are looking around and rubbing their fingers together and thinking, ‘Are we sure Jokic isn’t gonna become available next summer?’” NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Thursday on Deals and Dunks.
A pairing like that would be a nightmare for defenses. The Warriors could also create a path to the necessary cap space if they move Kristaps Porziņģis' contract and let several expiring deals come off the books without bringing those players back.
For now, Jokic is playing under a $276 million contract with the Nuggets. But if he ever gets to free agency, Golden State is expected to be ready to make a serious push.
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