NBA trade rumor: Golden State Warriors could eye blockbuster $359.5 million deal with 6-foot-11 Denver Nuggets center to pair with Stephen Curry
The Golden State Warriors are keeping cap flexibility for a possible run at Nikola Jokic in the 2027 offseason, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Fischer said Thursday the Warriors are wondering whether the Denver Nuggets center could become available and still believe they can land someone big, by trade or in free agency.
Jokic said in July he plans to sign with Denver next summer. The three-time MVP earns $59 million this season, and Golden State projects between $64 million and $66.8 million in max cap space to build around Stephen Curry . The Warriors have started 2026-27 at 5-3, and Denver’s slow start has drawn attention from rival executives.
Why the Warriors want Nikola Jokic next to Stephen Curry
Golden State had a quiet summer. The front office added Georges Niang and Brandon Williams and missed out on LeBron James. Curry is 38 and a 12-time All-Star, so the clock on his career shapes every move.
The cap sheet gives the Warriors room. Curry signed a two-year, $116 million extension worth about $20 million less than his eligible maximum. He is the only Warriors player with a cap hit above $20 million next season. Fischer summed up the thinking: “We could have max cap space, we’ve got Steph Curry .”
Jokic is one of several stars with 2027-28 player options. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns as the others. Fischer said the Warriors missed on Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant declined a move there a couple of deadlines ago.
What insiders say about the Nikola Jokic rumorsFischer said the Warriors still see themselves as a destination. BasketNews added that rival executives are monitoring Jokic’s situation and that he has turned down several chances to sign an extension. He chose not to hold extension talks with Denver in June.
Other voices point to Denver. Kevin O’Connor wrote, “I believe him,” and said league sources he has spoken to expect Jokic to stay. Jokic told USA Today’s Marcus D. Smith in July, “My desire is to play the rest of my life in Denver.” Nugg Love’s Jordanna Clark wrote the Warriors are overlooking those comments.
The mechanics depend on his choice. Jokic is expected to decide next summer whether to use the $62.8 million option. The Warriors’ projected space sits above that figure. A trade would need Denver’s agreement, and the reports cite no talks between the teams.
Nikola Jokic stats, contract and future eligibilityJokic is in the fourth year of a five-year, $276 million supermax deal. If he waits until next summer, he could sign a projected five-year, $360 million contract, the richest in NBA history. Nugg Love put the figure at $350 million.
Jokic has won three MVP awards and a Finals MVP, and he is an eight-time All-Star. He led Denver to the 2023 title and eight straight playoff trips.
Jokic said in July he plans to sign with Denver next summer. The three-time MVP earns $59 million this season, and Golden State projects between $64 million and $66.8 million in max cap space to build around Stephen Curry . The Warriors have started 2026-27 at 5-3, and Denver’s slow start has drawn attention from rival executives.
Why the Warriors want Nikola Jokic next to Stephen Curry
Golden State had a quiet summer. The front office added Georges Niang and Brandon Williams and missed out on LeBron James. Curry is 38 and a 12-time All-Star, so the clock on his career shapes every move.
The cap sheet gives the Warriors room. Curry signed a two-year, $116 million extension worth about $20 million less than his eligible maximum. He is the only Warriors player with a cap hit above $20 million next season. Fischer summed up the thinking: “We could have max cap space, we’ve got Steph Curry .”
Jokic is one of several stars with 2027-28 player options. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns as the others. Fischer said the Warriors missed on Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant declined a move there a couple of deadlines ago.
What insiders say about the Nikola Jokic rumorsFischer said the Warriors still see themselves as a destination. BasketNews added that rival executives are monitoring Jokic’s situation and that he has turned down several chances to sign an extension. He chose not to hold extension talks with Denver in June.
Other voices point to Denver. Kevin O’Connor wrote, “I believe him,” and said league sources he has spoken to expect Jokic to stay. Jokic told USA Today’s Marcus D. Smith in July, “My desire is to play the rest of my life in Denver.” Nugg Love’s Jordanna Clark wrote the Warriors are overlooking those comments.
The mechanics depend on his choice. Jokic is expected to decide next summer whether to use the $62.8 million option. The Warriors’ projected space sits above that figure. A trade would need Denver’s agreement, and the reports cite no talks between the teams.
Nikola Jokic stats, contract and future eligibilityJokic is in the fourth year of a five-year, $276 million supermax deal. If he waits until next summer, he could sign a projected five-year, $360 million contract, the richest in NBA history. Nugg Love put the figure at $350 million.
Jokic has won three MVP awards and a Finals MVP, and he is an eight-time All-Star. He led Denver to the 2023 title and eight straight playoff trips.
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