Nikola Jokić is an icon of the city of Denver, the Nuggets, and the entire U.S. state of Colorado. However, something could change—and it could happen in 2028.

That is the year Nikola Jokić becomes a free agent, as his contract with the Denver Nuggets expires, allowing him to negotiate freely with other teams.

Miami saving money for the Serbian star

The key question is how Denver’s front office will act, because there are already teams preparing to “make a move” for Nikola Jokić. The Miami Heat are one of the franchises quietly clearing cap space to offer the Serbian superstar a massive contract in hopes of luring him to Florida.

Nikola Jokić (30) has a supermax contract with the Denver Nuggets, one of the most valuable deals in NBA history, worth approximately $276 million in total. In the final year of the contract, the Serbian center has a player option, meaning Jokić alone will decide whether to remain under that deal for the 2027/2028 season.

A huge contract awaits the Serbian

This season, Jokić will earn $55.2 million. In the final year of the contract, if he activates the option, he would be paid around $62.8 million.

“The Miami Heat are highly respected among players as a potential destination. The Heat have been fully focused on avoiding signings and saving money until the summer of 2027/28—the season when Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and Donovan Mitchell could become free agents as their contracts expire. It is very unlikely that the Heat would deviate from that plan to pursue Ja Morant, who wants to leave Memphis,” ESPN reports.

Nikola loves Denver

Time will tell how Nikola Jokić responds. Over the past few years, he has consistently emphasized that he feels great in Denver and is extremely happy in Colorado’s largest city. He has purchased a large home there, where he lives with his family, while his two brothers—along with their families—also live on the same property.

Jokić has repeatedly stated that his plan is to stay in Denver forever. When asked about a potential contract extension or his future, his message was clear:

“My plan is to be a Nugget forever!”

The Joker waits for the summer of 2028

The Serbian star decided not to sign a contract extension with Denver during the summer of 2025. The reason is not that he wants to leave, but rather a strategic decision to sign a bigger and more valuable deal the following summer—potentially worth up to $80 million more.

Nikola Jokić is currently injured and is expected to return to the court soon. However, Denver is not rushing his comeback, as they want to ensure the Serbian does not feel any knee pain. In his ten NBA seasons, Jokić has never had such a long injury-related absence.

The Nuggets are tied for second place in the Western Conference with San Antonio, while champions Oklahoma City have six more wins than both teams.

Nikola Jokić on Denver’s final possession
Source: YouTube / Denver Nuggets