Nikola Jokic becomes highest-paid player in NBA history
Jokic, the first center to win MVP since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000, continues to prove that he's one of the best
Basketball star Nikola Jokic became the highest-paid player in NBA history on Friday when he signed a five-year, $260 million supermax contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, announced the franchise
Jokic, 27, is now under contract with the Nuggets through the 2027-28 season and has a $60 million player option in the final year.
The Serbia native is coming off back-to-back MVP seasons, becoming the 13th player in NBA history to achieve such a feat.
Now the league's highest-paid player, Jokic will head into the upcoming season with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. ready to return from lengthy injuries.
Last season, Jokic averaged career-highs in points (27), rebounds (14), steals (2) and field goal percentage (58%), while leading the league in triple-doubles (19).
He led Denver to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the eventual champions, Golden State Warriors, all while appearing in his fourth consecutive All-Star Game.
The back-to-back MVP was drafted by Denver with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft -- the lowest draft position to win the award for best player in the league.
Jokic, the first center to win MVP since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000, continues to prove that he's one of the best and most-unique centers that the NBA has ever seen.
