Nikola Jokic’s Agent Suggests LeBron James To Denver In 2026

An Instagram post by Misko Raznatovic, the longtime agent for Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, has fueled speculation about a potential future team-up with LeBron James. Raznatovic shared photos from a boat trip in St. Tropez featuring himself alongside James and James' business partner, Maverick Carter, with a caption stating, "The summer of 2025 is the perfect time to make big plans for the fall of 2026! @kingjames @mavcarter."

This comes amid ongoing rumors about James' future, sparked after he exercised his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming season. James' agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, indicated that the 40-year-old star aims to compete for championships and will evaluate the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason moves, leading to widespread belief that James could depart either during the season or next summer.

Several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks, have been linked as possible destinations for James. However, the Nuggets are highlighted as a competitive fit, as pairing James—a second-team All-NBA selection last season—with Jokic could significantly enhance Denver's title contention.

Financially, the Nuggets face constraints, with Jokic ($59 million), Jamal Murray ($50.1 million), Aaron Gordon ($32 million), and Cameron Johnson ($23 million) on their payroll for 2026/27 and beyond, making it impossible to offer James another $50 million contract. Yet, James might consider a reduced salary to join a team that provides a shot at a fifth championship ring.

A growing sense around the NBA suggests this could be James' final season with the Lakers, as the franchise shifts focus to building around Luka Doncic and prioritizing salary cap space for the summer of 2027. James has been an All-NBA selection in all seven seasons since joining the Lakers in 2019, including leading them to a title in 2020.