Nikola Jokic could turn down $300 Million from Denver Nuggets to Retire - Cousins

Tosin Abayomi 18:00 - 31 July 2025

Nikola Jokic with brother Strahinja after becoming NBA champion in 2023 (Credit: Imago)

DeMarcus Cousins, a well-known NBA player and former teammate of Nikola Jokic, shocked the public with a statement that the Serbian star might retire before signing a new contract.

Former NBA veteran DeMarcus Cousins has made a massive revelation about the upcoming NBA season.

In an NBA Western Conference match-up, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Sacramento Kings by 1 point thanks to a triple-double by Nikola Jokic.

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Cousins hints at retirement for Jokic

Cousins recently appeared on the "Straight Game" podcast, where he discussed playing alongside Nikola Jokic during their time together in 2022.

Nikola Jokic for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA (Credit: Imago)

This comes as a blow to the Los Angeles Lakers following reports that they plan to team Jokic up with LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

The former NBA center began by praising Jokic's character which he particularly admires.

He said, "He's a dangerous guy, man. What I love most about Jokic is his personality.

Nikola Jokic (centre) was pivotal in Serbia clinching bronze at the Paris Olympic Games (Credit: Imago)

"If you ever talk to him, you realize he doesn't give a damn about this stuff.

"He doesn't care at all. This might be his third or fourth favorite thing in life.

Demarcus Cousins says Nikola Jokic considered retirement instead of signing a Supermax deal with the Nuggets 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/4UaKA5V85I
— Straight Game Podcast (@straightgamepod) July 31, 2025

"All those games where he puts up crazy stats, he probably doesn't even want to be there. That's scary."

Cousins then shocked everyone by suggesting that Jokic is contemplating retirement and might even call it quits before signing a new contract next summer.

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Nikola Jokic is the Denver Nuggets' highest-paid player (Credit: Imago)

He added, "When I was in Denver, our lockers were right next to each other.

"I don't remember who had just signed an extension, but I told him, 'Your next contract is going to be insane.

"Cuz, I might retire before this contract.' I was like, 'Leave $300 million on the table? Are you crazy? Sign the contract, then get fat and out of shape.

Nikola Jokic is 6ft 11in tall (Credit: Imago)

"Just don't miss out on $300 million!' Then he told me, 'Cuz, I just want to go back home, chill with my horses.' I said, 'Joker, those horses will still be there.

"You'll just be able to buy a lot more of them with $300 million.'"

In the meantime, Jokic is preparing with the Serbian national team for the upcoming EuroBasket tournament, scheduled for August 27th to September 14th.