Warriors Eye Nikola Jokic in Next Summer's Free Agency
Golden State is reportedly considering pursuing the three-time MVP when he could become a free agent next summer.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly interested in signing Nikola Jokic, who could choose his next team next summer. The Denver Nuggets are prepared to offer the three-time MVP and NBA champion the largest contract in league history.
Why it matters
Jokic's potential availability would reshape the competitive balance in the NBA, as 29 other teams are monitoring his situation. For the Warriors, pursuing him would require significant roster and salary-cap maneuvering.
Jokic's projected five-year, $360 million contract would exceed his current $276 million deal with the Nuggets. Whether Jokic will test free agency, and whether Golden State can clear enough salary to pursue him, remains unresolved.
The players
Nikola Jokic
Jokic is a three-time NBA MVP and NBA champion who has anchored the Denver Nuggets' success in recent seasons.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are a Bay Area NBA franchise built around a championship dynasty led by Stephen Curry.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are the Denver-based NBA franchise that holds Jokic's current contract and is prepared to offer him a record deal.
Jake Fischer
Fischer is an NBA insider and reporter known for covering league transactions and contract negotiations.
The details
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Deals and Dunks that the Warriors are considering Jokic becoming available next summer. To create cap flexibility, Golden State would need to move Kristaps Porzingis' contract and let several expiring deals come off the books.
Timeline
Next summer: Jokic could become a free agent and choose his next team.
July: Teams are expected to pursue Jokic in free agency.
November 6, 2026: Fischer reported the Warriors' interest on Deals and Dunks.
Season Trajectory
Golden State's interest in Jokic echoes the 2016 free agency that brought Kevin Durant to the Warriors and reshaped the league's power structure. A Jokic move would likewise test how far a contender can stretch its salary cap to add a superstar.
If Jokic reaches free agency, the Warriors and other contenders would have to clear salary-cap space to pursue him, which could reshape rosters across the league. Fantasy managers should watch Jokic's situation closely heading into next summer.
The takeaway
Jokic's free-agency path highlights how contract timing and salary-cap planning can determine which superstars change teams. Fans and fantasy managers should track the summer market closely.
What happens next
Jokic could become a free agent next summer, when teams are expected to pursue him in July.
Further reading
For more NBA context, explore our Basketball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sporting News.
