Panathinaikos Owner Has Pursued Nikola Jokic
The Panathinaikos owner reached out to the NBA star's agent to propose a potential contract.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Basketball
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Panathinaikos basketball club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos has expressed interest in signing Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. Giannakopoulos confirmed he contacted the agent of the 31-year-old Serbian star to make an offer.
Why it matters
Giannakopoulos, who ranks Jokic among the top 10 basketball players of all time, sought to lure the athlete away from the United States. Despite the overture, Jokic has committed to his current contract with the Denver Nuggets for the upcoming season.
Jokic is a three-time NBA MVP who is currently set to earn $59 million for the 2026-27 season. He will face a decision regarding a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season next summer.
The players
Dimitris Giannakopoulos
He is the owner of the Greek professional basketball club Panathinaikos.
Nikola Jokic
He is a three-time NBA MVP and a professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets.
The details
The owner publicly discussed his pursuit of the center during a podcast appearance and media interview. While Jokic has turned down extension offers from Denver in the last two offseasons, he remains tied to the team for the current year.
Timeline
August 2026: Giannakopoulos publicly discussed his interest in signing the star.
2026-27 season: Nikola Jokic will continue his tenure with the Denver Nuggets.
Summer 2027: Jokic is expected to decide on his player option.
Season Trajectory
This move highlights the ongoing tension between domestic contract obligations and international recruitment efforts in professional basketball. It follows the established pattern set by the NBA's collective bargaining agreement player option structures.
Jokic remains under contract with the Denver Nuggets for the 2026-27 season, ensuring his availability for the upcoming schedule. His decision on the $62.8 million player option next summer will significantly impact the team's future salary cap flexibility.
The takeaway
Jokic continues to prioritize his tenure with the Denver Nuggets despite international interest in his services. Players in similar contract positions often utilize player options to evaluate their market value before committing to long-term extensions.
Further reading
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