Nikola Jokić: Staying With Denver Nuggets Forever

Merlin sees Nikola Jokić quietly end the rumors: "My plan is to be a Nugget forever," he told reporters, easing fears that the late-season shakeup — firing coach Michael Malone and the GM turnover — would push him out. That matters because Jokić remains the franchise cornerstone, with two guaranteed years plus a 2027-28 player option and the option to sign a short-term extension by Oct. 20 (or wait to add a fourth year next year). Merlin notes the plot thickens but leans calm: Denver promoted David Adelman, Jokić just averaged near a triple-double, and Jamal Murray’s health will set the ceiling. A committed superstar buys the front office time to stabilize, yet personnel and contract choices this autumn will reveal whether the peace holds.