NBA front offices are monitoring Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets as a sluggish 3-3 start raises roster concerns.
The Denver Nuggets have experienced a bumpy 3-3 start to the 2026 NBA season, putting the spotlight directly on superstar center Nikola Jokic and his long-term future with the franchise.
Around the league, opposing front offices are closely tracking the situation, with one anonymous NBA executive noting that teams would be failing at their jobs if they were not exploring potential paths to acquire the multi-time MVP, according to information published by bleache.
This mounting speculation arrives after a widely criticized offseason in Denver, leaving analysts and executives to question whether the organization can adequately maximize the remaining prime years of their championship-winning centerpiece.
Nikola Jokic contract status and future outlook
Jokic is currently playing in the final season of his current contract with the Denver Nuggets. Back in September, the star center stated his intention to sign a lucrative new deal with the franchise during the upcoming summer.
Significant financial incentives exist for Jokic to wait until the offseason, where he could secure a five-year contract worth up to 359.5 million dollars, compared to a four-year extension worth 278 million dollars off his existing deal.
Denver Nuggets offseason moves draw criticism
The sluggish start to the season follows a turbulent summer for Denver, which received a dismal D-minus grade from analysts for their roster management following a disappointing first-round playoff exit last year.
During the offseason, the franchise lost Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, parted ways with Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency, and used the stretch provision to waive Jonas Valanciunas.
Team performance metrics and roster concerns
Through their first six games, the Denver Nuggets rank 16th in offensive rating and 23rd in defensive rating, currently standing as the only team at or above 500 with a negative net rating of minus 2.9.
Executive concerns center around the growing difficulty of building a championship contender around Jokic under strict financial constraints, especially as the superstar approaches age 31 and faces another massive extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nikola Jokic's current contract status with the Denver Nuggets?
Nikola Jokic is in the final season of his current contract and has stated he plans to sign a new deal with the Denver Nuggets next summer to maximize his financial earnings.
Why are NBA executives monitoring Nikola Jokic?
Rival executives are monitoring Jokic because the Denver Nuggets are struggling out of the gate with a 3-3 record following an offseason that faced heavy criticism for failing to improve the supporting cast.
How did the Denver Nuggets perform in the offseason according to analysts?
Analysts heavily criticized the Denver Nuggets, giving the franchise a D-minus grade after losing key players like Peyton Watson and Jonas Valanciunas while failing to make major upgrades.
