I’m not quite sure how many horses Nikola Jokic can buy back in Serbia for $147.7 million, but I think he can add a couple to his stable after the max contract the Nuggets officially announced Monday for their (should-be) all-star.
Tim Connelly, Josh Kroenke and the rest of the Nuggets organization are sending a message that success of basketball in Denver the next five years will revolve around the 23-year-old center who has never made an all-star team. A risk? There’s always a risk, but when that never-been-an-all-star center is one of the best passers in the game, regardless of position, and recorded 10 triple-doubles last season — including the fastest triple-double in NBA history — itap safe to assume he’s going to be a mainstay on all-star rosters beginning next season. And with him and Paul Millsap — the power forward free agent Denver signed last offseason — patrolling the post together the next two seasons, plus the money they’ve thrown at guards Will Barton and Gary Harris in the past nine months, the Nuggets are at least opening their wallets to the idea of being regular playoff contenders for years to come.
Here’s a look at the 10 richest contract deals the Nuggets have ever signed players to:
| Player | Signed | Years | Contract worth |
| Nikola Jokic | 2018 | 5 | $147.7 million |
| Kenyon Martin | 2004 | 7 | $91 million |
| Paul Millsap | 2017 | 3 | $90 million |
| Gary Harris | 2017 | 4 | $84 million |
| Carmelo Anthony | 2007 | 5 | $78.9 million |
| Nene | 2006 | 6 | $60 million |
| Antonio McDyess | 1999 | 5 | $58.5 million |
| Marcus Camby | 2004 | 6 | $55 million |
| Will Barton | 2018 | 4 | $54 million |
| Kenneth Faried | 2015 | 4 | $50 million |
| Source: Spotrac | |||
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on Tap?
- MLB: Diamondbacks at Rockies, 6:40 p.m., ATTRM | Pitching matchup |
- World Cup: France vs. Belgium, noon, KDVR-31
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Must-Read
Tad Boyle confident Colorado Buffaloes can return to NCAA Tournament in 2019
The return of an experienced young core, headlined by point guard McKinley Wright, an honorable mention all-league team and defensive team selection as a true freshman, is what fuels Boyle’s enthusiasm. Read more…
Rockies have been no match for the Diamondbacks this season. Nolan Arenado, Bud Black are embracing their chance to gain ground.
The National League West division leaders are 5-1 against the Rockies this season. That, after going 11-8 last season, and then beating Colorado 11-8 in the NL wild-card game. Read more…
Nikola Jokic remains lowkey after signing biggest contract in Denver Nuggets history
“I’ve never seen a guy less enthused about a contract this big, and I say that in a positive sense,” president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said after Jokic signed a five-year, $148 million max extension Monday. “Everything is secondary to him to basketball and family … beyond that, he doesn’t care.” Read more…
Quick Hits
+ OK, Broncos fans, here’s what you’ve been waiting for: Single-game tickets go on sale July 25.
+ Also, the Denver Broncos unveil the banner for their football stadium’s temporary name.
+ҳܲ Torrey Craig signs a two-year, $4 million contract with the Denver Nuggets.
+ Tyler Bey is primed to make a big jump for the Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball team.
+ Itap official: Los Angeles Lakers announce that LeBron James has signed.
+ England’s set-piece mastery is reaping rewards at FIFA World Cup 2018.
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have questions about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have questions about the team? Ask Patrick Saunders here.
By The Numbers
16
Kaito Yuki, 16-year-old Japanese pitcher, signs with Kansas City Royals for $322,500
The 16-year-old pitcher agreed Sunday to a minor league contract with a $322,500 signing bonus. He is thought to be the first Japanese junior high school player to sign with a major league club. Read more…
Parting Shot
The Denver Broncos mascotap $23 million Silverthorne ranch is for sale
Magness Blake began to sell the horses off, and by the time she began looking for a new ranch in 2002 with her future husband Ernie Blake, “I only had about 30 horses,” she says. Of the steeds she kept, one was of particular importance: Thunder, the official mascot of the Denver Broncos. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
