Panathinaikos owner confirms rejected buyout offer for Denver Nuggets’ Jokic

Misko Raznatovic, the agent for Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic, has confirmed that a serious proposal was made to buy out the final season of his client’s contract. The offer originated from Dimitrios Giannakopoulos, the owner of the Greek basketball club Panathinaikos, who stated he approached both the player and the team with the intention of securing Jokic’s services.

Giannakopoulos, speaking on the “Euro Insiders” podcast, described the Nuggets’ reaction to the proposal as immediate and dismissive. He quoted the organisation as asking, “Who? Greece? Where? What? Bye,” before rejecting the bid. Despite the refusal, the Greek businessman indicated he intends to pursue Jokic again during the 2027 offseason, acknowledging that the current timing was not conducive to the deal.

Raznatovic validated Giannakopoulos’ account to the outlet Athletiko, stating unequivocally that the owner was telling the truth about the interaction. The confirmation adds a layer of credibility to the claim that an international club seriously considered disrupting the NBA’s contract structure, although the specific financial details of the rejected buyout offer were not disclosed.

Jokic, 31, currently has two seasons and $121.8 million remaining on his existing deal. The second season of that contract is a player option, which would grant him the ability to enter unrestricted free agency next summer. This structure provides him with significant leverage as he approaches the latter stages of his current agreement.

Looking ahead, Jokic will be eligible to sign a five-year, $359.5 million extension with the Nuggets in July 2027. According to ESPN insider Bobby Marks, such an extension would constitute the largest contract in NBA history. The potential magnitude of this future deal underscores the financial stakes involved in any potential move away from Denver.

The Nuggets’ decision to reject the buyout aligns with their status as a franchise built around Jokic’s on-court production. Last season, the centre averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game across 65 matches. His performance in the playoffs, where he recorded 25.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per contest, further cemented his value to the organisation.

While the immediate bid has been rebuffed, Giannakopoulos’ persistence suggests that Panathinaikos remains a viable destination for the superstar in the medium term. The Nuggets’ refusal to entertain a buyout for the current season leaves Jokic with a clear path toward either a historic extension or free agency next summer, with the Greek club waiting in the wings for the 2027 window.