The Denver Nuggets have inked two of their best players to new deals.
The team announced Monday center Nikola Jokic has officially signed his contract extension. Additionally, the team re-signed free agent guard Will Barton.
Jokic, 23, had a great year for the Nuggets in 2017-18 averaging career-highs with 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists. The Serbian is one of the NBA's most versatile big men, recording 10 triple-doubles last season.
"I am so happy to remain a Denver Nugget for many years to come, it is truly an amazing feeling,” Jokic said, via the Nuggets. “This franchise believed in me in 2014 and I want to thank the Kroenke family and our great front-office, coaching and training staffs for supporting me and being there for me over the last three years as I’ve become the player I am today.”
Barton, 27, also enjoyed a career year last season, averaging 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists, starting 40 of the team's 82 games. He came over in a trade from the Portland Trailblazers in 2015 and was the 40th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back in Denver and I want to say thank you to the Kroenke family and Tim and Arturas for believing in me,” Barton said. “This entire organization has shown a lot of faith in me and I just feel blessed to be in this situation. I love playing for this city and this team and can’t wait to get back to work.”
Barton's deal is for four years, $53 million while Nokic's extension is a five-year, $148 million max deal. Both players originally agreed to terms last week.
