Panathinaikos Sets Sights on Nikola Jokic After Serious Nuggets Offer
Jesse M. Cox Published 11/08/2026
Dimitrios Giannakopoulos, owner of Panathinaikos, has confirmed that the Greek club made a serious attempt to bring Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic to Athens. The proposal was aimed at buying out the final season of Jokic's current NBA contract, but Denver rejected the approach almost immediately.
The move has added another layer to the Off-season NBA drama surrounding Jokic, who remains one of the league's most valuable NBA Players. Although he has repeatedly said he wants to remain with Denver for the rest of his career, his contract situation has created an opening for teams willing to make an unexpected approach.
Key Takeaways
Panathinaikos owner Dimitrios Giannakopoulos confirmed a serious but rejected offer to buy out Nikola Jokic's contract from the Denver Nuggets.
- Panathinaikos made a genuine attempt to acquire Nikola Jokic by offering to buy out the final season of his NBA contract, which was quickly rejected by the Denver Nuggets.
- Despite the rejection, Panathinaikos remains interested in Jokic and has a history of pursuing NBA centers, indicating a persistent strategy.
- Nikola Jokic's current contract situation, including a player option and the potential for a record-breaking future contract, creates ongoing drama and potential opportunities for teams like Panathinaikos.
Panathinaikos Makes Its Move
Giannakopoulos said he contacted both the Nuggets and Jokic about the possibility of ending the center's Denver contract early. Speaking on the "Euro Insiders" podcast, he described the proposal as a genuine effort rather than a publicity move.
According to Giannakopoulos, Denver's response came within seconds. He said the club appeared surprised that a Greek team would even attempt to acquire a player of Jokic's stature, but the rejection has not ended Panathinaikos' interest.
Panathinaikos is coming off a 22-16 EuroLeague regular season that placed it seventh in the standings, while the club finished second in the Greek Basketball League at 19-5. Those results give the team a strong European platform, but convincing one of the NBA's biggest stars to leave the league would still represent an enormous challenge.
The pursuit is also not the first time Giannakopoulos has targeted a Nuggets center. Last year, he attempted to bring Jonas Valanciunas to Panathinaikos after the Lithuanian center arrived in Denver. Valanciunas ultimately stayed with the Nuggets for the season before later joining Zalgiris Kaunas.
The latest attempt adds another unusual chapter to the off-season NBA drama, particularly because Panathinaikos is pursuing one of the most accomplished NBA Players in the world. While European clubs have signed NBA veterans before, attracting a superstar in his prime would be an entirely different challenge.
Contract Decision Could Change Everything
Jokic currently has two seasons remaining on his Denver contract, worth about $121.8 million, with a player option for the second year. That option gives him control over whether he remains in Denver for the 2027-28 season or enters unrestricted free agency.
The Serbian star already declined to sign a four-year extension worth approximately $278 million this offseason. Waiting could allow him to pursue a five-year deal with Denver worth roughly $359.5 million in 2027, potentially the largest contract in NBA history. That decision gives Panathinaikos another potential opening and could become a major part of the NBA off-season drama. For NBA Players, contract choices of this size can shape both their careers and their franchises.
Denver Still Holds the Advantage
Jokic's production explains why Denver has little reason to consider moving him. Last season, he averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game, becoming the first NBA player to lead the league in both rebounds and assists in the same season.
His numbers have helped establish him as one of the most dominant NBA Players of his generation. With three MVP awards and an NBA championship already on his résumé, Jokic remains the centerpiece of Denver's plans and one of the league's most difficult players to replace.
For now, the Nuggets remain the clear favorite to retain their franchise centerpiece. However, Jokic's contract decision will remain one of the biggest pieces of off-season NBA drama heading into 2027, especially if he chooses to test free agency.
Giannakopoulos is already looking ahead. He has said Panathinaikos will try again next summer, when Jokic could have the freedom to decide his next destination himself.
A move to Greece remains unlikely as Denver can offer Jokic a historic contract, but Panathinaikos plans to try again in 2027. His future remains one of the most intriguing NBA Players storylines to watch.
Denver also faces roster and financial decisions after matching Spencer Jones' two-year, $12 million offer sheet, while restricted free agent Peyton Watson remains unsigned. Despite those challenges, the Nuggets remain committed to building around Jokic as the off-season NBA drama continues.