*This content was translated by AI.
A bold attempt to bring NBA superstar Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) to Europe actually took place. But Denver's response was literally a "few-second cut."
On the 11th (Korean time), ESPN reported that Dimitris Yannakopoulos, owner of Panathinaikos based in Athens, Greece, made a genuine offer to acquire Jokic from the Denver Nuggets. The report added that Panathinaikos plans to challenge for Jokic's signing again next summer.
According to reports, owner Yannakopoulos revealed the behind-the-scenes story of his attempt to sign Jokic while appearing on the "Euro Insiders" podcast.
He said, "Everyone probably thought it was a joke," but added, "We made a very serious offer to Jokic's team and the player himself this year. However, we were rejected."
Panathinaikos is not only a top club in Greece but also one of Europe's most prestigious basketball teams. Yet even as a European powerhouse, bringing in Jokic, currently regarded as the best active NBA player, was an entirely different challenge.
In fact, Denver's response was swift. It seemed they didn't need time to deliberate and rejected the offer immediately.
Yannakopoulos humorously recreated the situation at the time, stating, "It took Denver only a few seconds to reject us," adding, "It was as if they said, 'Who? Greece? Where? What? Goodbye.'"
ESPN explained that Yannakopoulos confidently told podcast hosts he could contact Jokic's agent, Misko Raznatovic, directly to confirm whether he had indeed made a serious offer this summer.
Despite Denver's "instant rejection," owner Yannakopoulos did not give up. He emphasized, "I also know that Jokic has one more year remaining on his contract, but let's wait until next year."
This means he intends to challenge for Jokic's signing again if the player enters the free agent (FA) market.
Under his current contract, Jokic is set to receive a total of $121.8 million (approximately 172 billion won) over the next two seasons. However, since the final season is a player option, he can gain unrestricted FA status next summer if he chooses not to exercise it.
Jokic also became eligible for a maximum extension deal worth $278 million (approximately 390 billion won) over four years with Denver starting in June.
But he has not yet signed the contract.
There is a financial reason for not rushing into an extension deal. ESPN reported that if Jokic waits until July 2027, he will become eligible for a five-year maximum extension worth $359.5 million (approximately 510 billion won) with Denver. If finalized, this would become the largest contract in NBA history.
Most importantly, Jokic himself has never shown any desire to leave Denver. Earlier, he stated, "My thought and wish is to spend the rest of my playing career with Denver."
The first attempt ended with Denver's "few-second cut." With Jokic potentially eyeing the largest contract in NBA history, it seems unlikely that owner Yannakopoulos' dream will come true.
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*This content was translated by AI.
