NBA Rumors: Nikola Jokic expected to make key decision that could impact Denver ahead of 2025–26 season

Nikola Jokic ended his 2024–25 NBA campaign with the Denver Nuggets after being eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, there has been speculation surrounding his contract situation with the Nuggets. But now, attention has shifted to a more immediate decision the center is expected to make soon.

From August 27 to September 14, EuroBasket 2025 will take place—FIBA’s major tournament featuring Europe’s top national teams. Serbia have already qualified and are part of Group A alongside Latvia, Czech Republic, Turkey, Estonia, and Portugal.

Given that setup, the focus naturally turns to whether Jokic will choose to represent his country in the tournament. “Since the end of the Olympic Games in Paris, Serbia has been holding its breath waiting for one decision: According to Meridian Sport, the best basketball player in the world is close to making that decision,” wrote journalist Dorde Matic.

“Fans in Serbia have reason to be optimistic… Jokic is expected to soon give an official nod to the invitation from head coach Svetislav Pesic, with whom he has already spoken,” Matic added. “The plan is for the Serbian team—with the world’s best player—to go for European gold.”

Nikola Jokic playing for Serbia against Australia on day eleven of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

If he confirms his participation in EuroBasket 2025, it would be the fifth time Nikola represents Serbia in a major tournament. He won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games and bronze in Paris 2024, and also played in the 2019 FIBA World Cup (where Serbia lost in the quarterfinals to Argentina) and EuroBasket 2022 (where they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Italy).

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While Jokic’s positive response would be welcome news for Serbian fans, it could also raise concern for the Denver Nuggets. That’s because their star player would be competing in a demanding, high-level tournament just weeks before the 2025–26 NBA season begins—potentially affecting his preseason preparation and conditioning.

All of this comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of the three-time NBA MVP. Just weeks ago, Jokic informed Denver of his decision to decline a contract extension offer, which, according to The Denver Post, was reportedly worth three years and close to $212 million.

While this news sparked concern among some fans, there’s currently no indication that Nikola is unhappy with his situation in Denver or considering a departure. It appears to be more of a financial strategy, delaying the extension to become eligible for a four-year deal worth nearly $300 million after the 2025–26 NBA season.