Nuggets president confirms Nikola Jokic trade is off the table following first-round exit
Josh Kroenke rules out moving the star centre despite playoff elimination, citing a commitment to rebuilding around Jokic with a massive contract extension pending
Following the Denver Nuggets' elimination in the first round of the 2025-26 NBA playoffs, team president and governor Josh Kroenke has definitively ruled out trading three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The organisation has made it clear that while the roster overhaul required for the 2026-27 campaign will involve significant moves, the franchise cornerstone remains non-negotiable.
Kroenke stated that while all other roster assets are available for trade, Jokic is effectively staying put. This decision comes after a period of stagnation for the club, which has suffered consecutive playoff exits since their 2023 championship, including second-round departures in 2023-24 and 2024-25, before this season's first-round defeat.
The president indicated that the supporting cast, including Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun, would be the primary focus of trade discussions to rebuild the team. Kroenke acknowledged the frustration felt by fans regarding the season's conclusion and confirmed that these players would be on the table to improve the squad's depth and championship prospects.
Despite previous comments from Jokic expressing dissatisfaction with the team's lack of title contention, the organisation remains committed to retaining him as the face of the franchise. The star centre is expected to sign a four-year, $293 million contract extension this summer to secure his future with the club.
This move suggests that the Nuggets intend to prioritise a championship push rather than a full rebuild, leveraging Jokic's talent while reshaping the roster around him. The retention of the three-time MVP indicates a strategic shift away from dispersing the core, even as the team seeks to address the issues that led to their early elimination against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While the specific terms and timeline of the contract extension have not yet been formally announced, the decision to keep Jokic signals a long-term vision for the franchise. The organisation now faces the challenge of integrating new talent with their existing star to ensure they are competitive for the 2026-27 season.
