Nikola Jokic had 37 points, 18 rebounds, five assists and three steals on 14-of-22 shooting, including 3 three-pointers, 2 shots, plus nine free throws, but such luxurious stats could not avoid the Nuggets from falling behind the Warriors 0-3. To be honest, the Nuggets' series with the Warriors has little suspense to speak of, and the only suspense is probably whether the Nuggets can win the next game. Jokic's regular season MVP will be a high probability event, and the last first-round regular season MVP was Russell Westbrook in 16-17, but Westbrook led the Thunder to win a game. So, Jokic has to work hard, don't be the regular season MVP who was swept in the first round.
Jokic's difficulty, everyone knows that the Nuggets lack jamal Murray and Michael Potter Jr., although they have not been selected as All-Stars, but Murray and Porter Jr. are definitely the most suitable players for Jokic. But think backwards to a question: Even with Murray and Porter Jr., the Nuggets will be able to go further? There is no doubt that with Murray and Porter Jr., the overall strength of the Nuggets will definitely be improved, but in terms of the ceiling, the Nuggets may not have a better harvest. Moreover, Little Potter is still a glass physique. In addition, there is another point that must be taken seriously, that is, Murray and Porter Jr. are both top salary extensions.
Jokic, Murray and Porter Jr. are all players that the Nuggets have won through the draft, so the Nuggets can pay three salaries to keep them, and they can also enjoy a certain rookie dividend. However, Porter Jr.'s maximum salary contract will officially begin next season, so the Nuggets have no rookie dividend to speak of. Not only that, but Jokic's contract is also about to expire, and the Nuggets have lost the right to forcibly keep Jokic.
Jokic's current contract is $147 million for 5 years signed in the 2018 offseason, which starts in the 18-19 season and ends after the 22-23 season, which also means that Jokic will become a full free agent in the 2023 offseason, and he can choose to stay in the Nuggets or choose to join other teams. One more thing to say: the Nuggets don't have priority matchmaking. Therefore, the competitiveness of the team will be the key to whether the Nuggets can keep Jokic. At present, the core framework created by the Nuggets is Jokic, Murray and Porter Jr., how high can the ceiling of these three people be? Next season will be a proven season, but due to the timing of Jokic's contract, the team's performance next season is likely to directly affect Jokic's decision.
Still, the Nuggets have enough lure to keep Jokic. Because of Jokic's outstanding performance in recent seasons, he has won many honors such as regular season MVP, first-team and so on, so Jokic has triggered the designated veteran clause, according to the league's salary regulations, Jokic can get a salary cap with a starting salary of 35%, an increase of 8%, and a maximum of five years of maximum salary contract. Based on the 122 million salary cap for the 22-23 season, Jokic's next contract is about $250.51 million for five years.
However, if Jokic wants to join other teams as a free agent, he can only get a top salary contract with a starting salary cap of 30%, a 5% increase, and a maximum of four years, which is about $157.75 million for four years. Note: If you sign first and change later, the contract is the same as if you join other teams freely. So, Jokic's stay with the Nuggets maximizes his interests, and a super contract of around 250 million is a huge temptation for any player.
The decision for the future lies with Jokic, who is the best choice to stay with the Nuggets if he wants to maximize his salary, and the Nuggets will definitely send a top salary contract in time. But if Jokic wants to win further in terms of personal honors, he may have other ideas, after all, the future of the Nuggets is not too clear. Of course, Jokic can also first consider the maximum salary, in 1995 he was only 27 years old, after taking this five-year salary, Jokic is about 32 years old, for the floor flow of him, 32 years old age to maintain the peak is not too big a problem, then it is not too late to consider the issue of the championship.
Text/Duncan's laugh