Denver's Nikola Jokić: 27.1 points per game and still eliminated in the first round of the playoffs
Photo: Steve Dykes/ Getty Images
Serbian basketball superstar Nikola Jokić remains with the Denver Nuggets - and collects a record fee for it.
The club announced on Friday the five-year extension of Jokić's contract, who was recently voted the most valuable player in the North American professional league NBA twice in a row.
According to consistent media reports, the center will receive around $264 million, the largest contract in NBA history.
Jokić was selected by the Nuggets in the 2014 draft, and the Serb has been in the NBA since 2015.
Last season, he averaged 27.1 points per game, yet Denver lost in the first round of the playoffs to eventual champions the Golden State Warriors.
Other top players extended their contracts with their teams
Star players James Harden and Damian Lillard also renewed their teams' contracts.
Harden re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers and, according to media reports, is said to be willing to take a pay cut to give the team more financial leeway.
Lillard, 31, signed a two-season extension with the Portland Trail Blazers, his contract now running through the end of the 2026-27 season and earning him an additional $122 million.
see/sid