Denver Nuggets Receive Positive News About Nikola Jokic's Backup originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As NBA teams continue to finalize their rosters for the 2025-26 season, the Denver Nuggets find themselves navigating more than just salary‐cap waters.

It doesn't affect Jokic's status in Denver in the short term: He has at least two years remaining on his deal — $55.2 million this season and $59 million in 2026-27, along with a player option in 2027-28 worth nearly $63 million.

Jokic and the Nuggets went 3-0 to close out the season, beat the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games during the first round of the playoffs and took the eventual NBA champion Thunder to seven games in Western Conference semifinals before being eliminated. Jokic averaged 26.2 points and 12.7 rebounds in the postseason run.

On Wednesday, the NBA announced the groups for its in-season tournament. The Denver Nuggets highlight West Group C featuring NBA superstars, champions and some of the fastest rising young teams in the league.

The 76ers will be paired with two of their Atlantic Division rivals in the 2025 NBA Cup. They’re in the East Group B with the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and division foes Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets for the third annual in-season tournament.