Nuggets
Nuggets star Nikola Jokic isn’t going anywhere. He’s just waiting.
The three-time MVP confirmed Monday that he plans to postpone signing a new contract until next summer, while making it clear he still expects to finish his career with Denver.
“My idea is to sign next summer and stay in Denver for the rest of my (career),” Jokic said, according to Marko Ljubomirovic of Admiral Bet.
The decision isn’t about uncertainty. It’s about money.
Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron noted that if Jokic waits until the 2027 offseason, he’ll become eligible for a five-year maximum contract instead of a four-year extension. Sam Amick of The Athletic added that securing that extra year late in his career is a major factor in Jokic’s thinking.
In other words, Denver doesn’t appear to have anything to worry about.
Jokic wants to remain a Nugget. He’s simply waiting for the best time to put pen to paper.
Trail Blazers
The Blazers have been one of the NBA’s busiest teams this offseason. They also may not be finished.
Dave Deckard of Blazer’s Edge wrote that Portland’s roster still feels unbalanced after adding Ja Morant, re-signing Robert Williams III and bringing in Branden Carlson.
The biggest issue is depth on the wing.
The Blazers suddenly have an abundance of guards and centers but remain thin at forward, leading Deckard to believe another move would make plenty of sense before training camp.
Rather than chasing another star, Deckard suggested Portland could eventually move one of its younger players in exchange for a proven rotation wing who better fits the current roster.
At the moment, the Blazers look improved. Whether they look complete is another question.
Hornets
The Hornets have officially moved on from Tosan Evbuomwan.
Charlotte placed the 25-year-old forward on waivers Monday after his release was first reported late last month by Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors noted that Evbuomwan appeared in just five NBA games last season, though he played a much larger role for the Greensboro Swarm during their run to the G League championship.
In fact, Evbuomwan was named G League Finals MVP after a dominant performance in the title-clinching game.
The move opens another two-way roster spot for Charlotte as the Hornets continue putting the finishing touches on their roster for next season.
MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position
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