Report: Nuggets decline Jokic option to make way to offer max deal

The Denver Nuggets appear to have long-term plans for Nikola Jokic, as reports late Monday night suggests the club’s cleared the way to offer the star forward a max deal worth nearly $150 million.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, sources indicate the Nuggets have declined Jokic’s option for the 2018-’19 season, which would clear a path for Denver to offer a five-year deal worth approximately $147 million.

The Denver Nuggets filed paperwork to decline the team option on star Nikola Jokic’s contract late Monday night, clearing the way to sign him to what likely will be a 5-year, approximately $147 million maximum contract in July, league sources told ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2018

Jokic had been set to make $1.6 million next season had the Nuggets picked up the club option, according to Spotrac.com.

However, The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider reported in early May that Jokic’s agent said picking up the player option on his client and letting him become an unrestricted free agent after next season would be an “unfavorable scenario” for the Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic’s agent says picking up the player’s option and letting Jokic become an unrestricted free agent in 2019 would be an unfavorable scenario for Nuggets. This is not a warning. It’s common sense. Denver won’t pass up the chance to lock Jokic up. Writing is on the wall.

— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) May 3, 2018

In three seasons, Jokic’s gone from former second-round pick in the NBA Draft to a key cog for Denver. The Serbian-born big man started in 73 games last season for the Nuggets, averaging 32.6 minutes, 18.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Check back to denversports.com or tune in here as more information becomes available on this developing story.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.

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