NBA Morning Brief (Jul. 7, 2026): Jokic clears the air, Clippers steal from Lakers
Jokic confirms he wants to finish his career in Denver
Nikola Jokic recently put rumors to rest about his long-term plans after playing for Serbia in a European qualifying window. He made it clear that he intends to stay with the Denver Nuggets and would like to finish his career there, while noting that the timing of any new deal is a business decision between him and the team.
The three-time MVP is currently on the supermax extension he signed in 2022, which runs through the 2027–28 season with a player option on the final year. He’s also eligible for a potential four-year extension that could be worth roughly $280 million, but delaying talks could open the door to different contract structures down the road. Bottom line: Jokic’s preference is to remain in Denver, but a new contract’s timing is being handled strategically.
Offseason moves, roster changes and the cap landscape
The free-agency and trade period is already moving. Rui Hachimura agreed to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers after several seasons with the Lakers, where he averaged about 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds last year while shooting efficiently from the floor.
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings waived DeMar DeRozan, making the veteran swingman available on the open market. Last season he averaged roughly 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists, and teams will now decide if he fits their plans.
In another move, Dutch center Quinten Post signed an offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies and will be leaving the Bay Area after Golden State chose not to match. And the Nuggets appear close to deciding on Jonas Valanciunas — reports indicate Denver may waive him before his salary guarantees to open flexibility after bringing in Marvin Bagley as Jokic’s primary backup. As Jokic’s reserve last year, Valanciunas averaged about 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
There’s also overseas-to-NBA movement: Tarik Biberovic is expected to join the Dallas Mavericks on a 1+1 deal, with a modest buyout involved. Biberovic has shown three-point shooting ability overseas, averaging around 11 points and shooting north of 40% from three last season.
All of these individual moves are playing into a bigger theme this summer: cap space is shaping everything. Some teams have room to be aggressive, absorb contracts or facilitate multi-team deals, while contenders constrained by apron rules are pressed to make precise, smaller moves. Once a few big transactions happen, expect a domino effect that forces quick adjustments across the league.
