MINNEAPOLIS — Despite the Nuggets’ worst playoff outcome in four years, Nikola Jokic gave every indication Thursday that he plans to sign a contract extension with the franchise this summer.
The three-time MVP center has said it before: He doesn’t envision himself playing anywhere in the NBA other than Denver.
He didn’t waver from that commitment after a shocking first-round exit in the NBA Playoffs.
“I still want to be Nuggets forever,” Jokic said after a season-ending 110-98 Game 6 loss to the Timberwolves.
So, he was asked, does that mean it’s safe to assume he’ll sign on the dotted line this offseason?
“I still want to be Nuggets forever,” he repeated.
Jokic blamed himself for the series loss, which ended with Minnesota persevering through injuries to Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu and Kyle Anderson.
The Serbian big man averaged 25.8 points, 13.2 and 9.5 assists in the six-game series, which earned him criticism nationally and locally for his performance against Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert. He shot 44.6% from the field — a significant drop-off from his usual efficiency — and 19.4% from the 3-point line, continuing a trend of poor outside shooting that dates back to his return from a knee injury in January.
“They were aggressive. They were pushing us off our spots. They rebounded really well,” Jokic said, praising the Timberwolves. “I couldn’t get guys open. I couldn’t make screens. I couldn’t make shots. So they were just better, basically in every aspect of the game. Like, we put up a fight, but we didn’t have it.”
Jokic declined an extension offer last offseason for three years and an estimated $207 million, preferring to delay contract talks until this summer when he can accept more money and term. This offseason, he’s eligible for an estimated additional $80 million.
