Jokic: 'I Can't Even Imagine Leaving Denver'

NBA Superstar Nikola Jokic Expresses Loyalty to Denver Nuggets

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Denver Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, has made it clear that he cannot envision playing for any other NBA team besides the Nuggets for the remainder of his career. In a candid interview, Jokic expressed his deep connection to the city of Denver and his commitment to the Nuggets organization that drafted him.

Why it matters

Jokic's comments underscore his loyalty to the Nuggets franchise that drafted him and developed him into one of the league's premier players. In an era of player movement and superstar free agency, Jokic's desire to remain in Denver long-term is notable and could impact the team's future roster decisions and championship aspirations.

The details

During an interview on the 'X's and O's Chat' basketball podcast in his native Serbia, Jokic was asked if he could ever see himself playing for another NBA team besides the Nuggets. The 28-year-old center responded emotionally, saying he 'can't even imagine' leaving Denver, where he has spent his entire 8-year NBA career so far. Jokic cited his deep connection to the city and the Nuggets organization, which drafted him in 2014 and has built a contending team around him.

  • Jokic led the Nuggets to an NBA championship in 2023.

The players

Nikola Jokic

A three-time NBA MVP and the star center for the Denver Nuggets, who has spent his entire 8-year NBA career with the franchise that drafted him in 2014.

Denver Nuggets

The NBA franchise that drafted Nikola Jokic in 2014 and has built a contending team around the Serbian superstar center.

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What they’re saying

“I can't even imagine leaving Denver.”

— Nikola Jokic (X's and O's Chat)

The takeaway

Jokic's unwavering loyalty to the Denver Nuggets organization is a rarity in the modern NBA, where star players often seek greener pastures in free agency. Jokic's comments suggest he is committed to spending the prime of his career in Denver, which could give the Nuggets a significant advantage in building a championship contender around their franchise centerpiece.