Nikola Jokic Eyeing Fourth MVP in 2025-26

Merlin sees the league’s award season arrive early: using FanDuel odds and summer moves, the forecasts favor Onsi Saleh for Executive of the Year after Atlanta’s Porziņģis trade and depth additions; Joe Mazzulla for Coach if the Celtics eclipse their low expectations; Luka Dončić as the Clutch Player; Bennedict Mathurin for Most Improved with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined; John Collins as a Sixth Man dark horse; Victor Wembanyama as Defensive Player of the Year; Cooper Flagg as Rookie of the Year; and Nikola Jokić as the clear MVP favorite. Merlin notes these picks matter because they shape narratives — Jokić’s era, Wemby’s defensive leap, a rookie spotlight in Dallas, and Atlanta’s bold front-office swing. The season’s early moves planted seeds; which ones sprout will decide the trophies.