Field Level Media
01 Jul 2022, 04:10 GMT+10
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets agreed Thursday to a five-year deal worth $256 million, the richest contract in NBA history, according to The Athletic.
Jokic is expected to sign the deal on Friday, the start of the NBA league year, with the base contract covering the next four years. The Athletic reported the fifth year of the deal is a player option for the 2027-28 season worth $60 million.
Jokic edged 76ers center Joel Embiid in voting for the 2021-22 MVP award, becoming the 13th back-to-back winner, and was again named All-NBA First Team.
Jokic averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.47 steals in 74 games last season for the Nuggets. He led the NBA with 19 triple-doubles and became the first player in NBA history to record at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 500 assists in a season.
"I don't know what else you can say about Nikola at this point," Denver coach Michael Malone said. "He's consistently improved his game, he's consistently proven people wrong when they doubt him and he's consistently the best player on the floor night in and night out. I've said it many times before, I'm extremely grateful to coach Nikola Jokic and just as grateful for the bond that we've built off the court in our seven years together."
The others to win consecutive MVPs are Antetokounmpo, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Moses Malone, Steve Nash and Bill Russell.
Jokic typically downplays his success but he is well aware he is now running with great company after a second MVP award.
"Right now, I don't think about it," Jokic said of winning the award. "But when I'm old, fat and grumpy, hopefully I'm going to remember and tell my kids that back in the day I was pretty good at playing basketball.
"Everybody knows I'm the same guy so hopefully I'm going to stay the same after this. Just to be in that company of Wilt and all the guys that made history in this league and this sport. That tells a lot and means a lot to have a legacy like that."
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Cambodian Times news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Cambodian Times.
More InformationISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan's army said on June 4 that its security forces raided a militant hideout and killed 14 insurgents during...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: The United Nations General Assembly has elected five countries to join the Security Council starting January...
SEOUL, South Korea: South Korea's new president, liberal Lee Jae-myung, took office on June 4 after a dramatic and chaotic few months....
LONDON, UK: As of this month, it's officially illegal to buy disposable vapes anywhere in the United Kingdom. The new ban, aimed...
SEOUL, South Korea: South Korea's upcoming presidential election has turned into a messy battle full of personal insults and scandals...
FLIN FLON, Manitoba: More than 25,000 people in three Canadian provinces have been forced to leave their homes because of wildfires,...
New Delhi [India], June 7 (ANI): In a moment that brought together the worlds of innovation and grassroots sports, Errol Musk, father...
Dundee [Scotland], June 7 (ANI): Scotland all-rounder Brandon McMullen outclassed legends like Kapil Dev, Lance Klusner, Shakib Al...
London [UK], June 7 (ANI): Australian spin veteran Nathan Lyon expressed excitement at the idea of taking on world-class South African...
Paris [France], June 7 (ANI): The final of the women's singles competition at the French Open will be between the top two-ranked stars,...
(250607) -- PARIS, June 7, 2025 (Xinhua) -- China's Li Xiaohui (below)/Wang Ziying compete against Kamiji Yui (Japan)/Kgothatso Montjane...
Dubai [UAE], June 7 (ANI): A total of seven legendary players, five men and two women cricketers, will be inducted in the ICC Hall...