Jokić Tops Rankings; Nuggets Trade Porter Jr.

Nikola Jokić remains widely regarded as the NBA's top player entering 2025–26 after a historic 2024–25 season — becoming the first player to average a triple‑double while scoring 29.6 points per game — though he finished as MVP runner‑up to Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander. At Nuggets media day Jokić said, "My plan is to be a Nugget forever," after declining a reported three‑year, $212 million extension this offseason so he can wait to pursue a larger four‑year deal next offseason. Denver retooled its roster over the offseason, trading Michael Porter Jr. and adding Cam Johnson while making cost‑clearing moves that brought veterans Jonas Valančiūnas, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown. Those moves preserve cap flexibility and add two‑way versatility around Jokić and Jamal Murray, keeping Denver among the favorites for 2025–26. Young pieces such as Christian Braun, coming off a breakout 2024–25 campaign, are also in line for extensions, with projections suggesting a possible five‑year, roughly $140 million deal.