Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. Image via: NBA
The Golden State Warriors are keeping cap flexibility for a possible run at Nikola Jokic in the 2027 offseason, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. The three-time MVP earns $59 million this season, and Golden State projects between $64 million and $66.8 million in max cap space to build around Stephen Curry. The Warriors have started 2026-27 at 5-3, and Denver’s slow start has drawn attention from rival executives.
Fischer said Thursday the Warriors are wondering whether the Denver Nuggets center could become available and still believe they can land someone big, by trade or in free agency. Jokic said in July he plans to sign with Denver next summer.
Field Details Category NBA trade rumor Player Nikola Jokic, center, age 31 Current Team Denver Nuggets Rumored Team Golden State Warriors Contract Status Fourth year of a five-year, $276 million supermax; $62.8 million player option for 2027-28 Salary Cap Hit $59 million in 2026-27 Trade Likelihood Low, per the reports cited; Jokic has said he wants to stay in Denver Latest Insider Update Jake Fischer, Nov. 5: Warriors hope to attract a star next summer by trade or free agency The cap sheet gives the Warriors room. Curry signed a two-year, $116 million extension worth about $20 million less than his eligible maximum. He is the only Warriors player with a cap hit above $20 million next season. Jokic is one of several stars with 2027-28 player options.
Fischer said the Warriors missed on Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant declined a move there a couple of deadlines ago. Kevin O’Connor wrote, “I believe him,” and said league sources he has spoken to expect Jokic to stay. Fischer summed up the thinking: “We could have max cap space, we’ve got Steph Curry. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns as the others. Other voices point to Denver. Smith in July, “My desire is to play the rest of my life in Denver. Nugg Love’s Jordanna Clark wrote the Warriors are overlooking those comments.
Jokic told USA Today’s Marcus D.
