Nikola Jokić couldn’t carry the Denver Nuggets past Golden State and into the second round of the playoffs, but the reigning MVP said he wants to keep trying.
The seven-year veteran’s contract is up at the end of next season, but he’ll be eligible to re-sign at the supermax rate, which is estimated at $263 million per CBS Sports.
“I would like it. If the offer is on the table, I’m going to accept it,” said Jokić after Game 5.
Jokić will make $33.6 million next season and $117 million in estimated earnings over the first seven years of his career, which could take him over $400 million in career earnings.
“We have something that we’re building, and it actually feels pretty good,” said the 6-11 center.
Jokić averaged 27.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists for the shorthanded Nuggets this season.
Denver (48-34) finished sixth in the Western Conference before falling to the Warriors 4-1, despite missing Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. this season.
“I think we have talent, we have players, we have pieces, we have tools,” said Jokić, but he added until everyone is healthy and playing, they won’t know their potential.
The Joker had 30 points, 19 rebounds, and eight assists, and got a little help from DeMarcus Cousins, who chipped in a playoff career-high 19 points, but Denver still fell short 102-98.
“We fought. That’s the most important thing,” “They executed in the end, and that’s why they’re the good team,” said Jokić.
Following their win, the Warriors’ Draymond Green had nothing but praise for the four-time All-Star.
“I just told him, ‘Thank you for making me better,’” Green said. “It’s an honor and pleasure to play against someone so talented and so skilled. And usually, when you have guys that talented and that skilled, they are a little soft. He’s far, far from soft. He’s an absolutely incredible player.”
The Warriors will play the winner of the Minnesota–Memphis series next.
