Jokic, who has been the best player in the NBA for the past five seasons, still has three years left on his contract

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, greets Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka DoncicAP

Since 2020, Nikola Jokic has been the cornerstone of the Denver Nuggets, arguably the best player in the NBA. With three MVP awards, a championship, and a Finals MVP trophy, his dominance is undeniable. Honestly, he could easily have five MVPs by now, but the league’s voting panel has chosen to spread the love, giving Joel Embiid the nod in 2023 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off a title with the Thunder, the honor this year.

I firmly believe that we are living in the most talented era of NBA history, and that will only grow with time. That’s why Jokic’s run over the past five years stands out even more. He’s been a force like no one else, earning the respect of players, coaches, and general managers across the league for his game-changing skills.

Kroenke Shocks NBA with Joki Trade Talk

In a recent press conference, Nuggets President Josh Kroenke didn’t hold back, laying out a scenario no Nuggets fan wants to hear. He cited the team’s injuries and the tricky second apron salary rules in the NBA as potential roadblocks. “We’re not afraid of the second apron,” he said, “but if the wrong player gets injured, we could end up in a situation I hate to imagine: moving No. 15.”

So, when Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke hinted at trading his superstar, it came as a shock. After last season’s wild trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, anything seems possible. Doncic and Jokic, two European sensations and good friends, teaming up would be a basketball fan’s dream-maybe the greatest duo ever. The whole league is watching Denver now.

Part of me wonders if Kroenke is just stirring the pot to steal some of the Thunder’s spotlight during their championship celebration. Those division rivals knocked the Nuggets out in seven games this year. Even though it’s unlikely, suggesting the possibility of moving the league’s top talent generates more headlines than any parade.

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That’s Jokic, the 30-year-old phenom who is still in his prime. It’s a stunning thought for someone who has been the gold standard of the league, guiding Denver to a championship in 2023 and battling the Thunder tooth-and-nail this postseason. Before the Doncic blockbuster, no one would have dreamed of this, but now? It’s a different world.

A Risky What-If from Kroenke

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Is Kroenke serious, or is this a clever distraction? Trading Jokic feels unthinkable-he’s the heartbeat of this team. However, with the expensive contracts of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., not to mention their injury risks, the financial pressure is real. One bad break could tie Denver’s hands. Maybe Kroenke is just thinking out loud, or maybe he’s encouraging Jokic to sign an extension. Either way, it’s a bold move that has everyone talking-and feeling a bit uneasy.

Kroenke also revealed that the Nuggets plan to offer Jokic a contract extension this summer. Here’s the catch: Jokic might not accept it. Waiting until 2026 could mean a larger paycheck, and with two years left on his current deal (plus a player option), he has time to wait. Denver is in a bind. They can’t afford to lose their star player, but they’re walking a tightrope with the roster. Jokic wants championships, not just accolades. If the front office doesn’t strengthen the team, he might start looking elsewhere.