Nikola Jokic was candid following the Denver Nuggets‘ elimination in the opening round of the NBA Western Conference playoffs against an injured Minnesota Timberwolves side.
When asked about the future of the team, the multi-time MVP admitted that if they were playing in Europe, the entire team would be fired after their performance against Minnesota.
Entering the final year of his contract with the Nuggets, Denver are more likely to trade Jamal Murray or any other player on the team other than Jokic this offseason, but it might not be their choice.
If Jokic is adamant about not re-signing with the Nuggets this summer and wants to go into his final year looking towards free agency, Denver might be prompted to try and get a king’s ransom for the Serbian superstar before he departs in the summer of 2027.
So, if the Nuggets are forced to play their hand and trade their Joker in the coming months, where could he possibly go?
Los Angeles Lakers
The most obvious destination, the Lakers would have the room and possible assets if an opportunity arose. With LeBron James possibly leaving and opening up massive room, L.A. could be aggressive and try to create maybe the best offensive duo in NBA history between Jokic and Luka Doncic.
The biggest obstacle? The Nuggets hate the Lakers, and the Lakers hate the Nuggets. Denver would be more likely to trade Jokic to the Green Bay Packers than to deal with the Lakers, especially after the Doncic deal with the Mavericks.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Good core? Check. Is it a quiet city where Jokic can ignore the national media for the majority of the year? Check.
If the Cavaliers fail to make the NBA Finals this season, don’t be surprised if they’re open to any move this offseason, including making a play for Jokic to pair him with Donovan Mitchell.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have been searching for a true superstar for what seems like every offseason since LeBron James left.
Every time a big name pops up, the Heat are connected to them. The Heat have assets and the desperation to do whatever it takes to bring in a true top-five player into the building.