Panathinaikos' Jokic Dream Lives On: "I Will Sign Him Next Year"

Panathinaikos' Greek businessman owner, Dimitris Giannakopoulos, has shared with the public the boldest transfer dream of his career regarding three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. Speaking on the "Euro Insiders" podcast, Giannakopoulos said: "People are going to say, 'OK, now he's joking.' I did make a very serious proposal this year both to his team and to him. I got a rejection. I know that he has one more year of a contract."

According to the report, Giannakopoulos explained that he submitted a formal "proposal" to the Denver Nuggets to buy Jokic out of the final season of his current contract, but that the attempt was quickly turned down. The Greek businessman summarised the Nuggets' response, saying: "It took a few seconds [for the Nuggets] to say, 'Who? Greece? Where? What? Bye.'" It's noted that Jokic has two seasons and $121.8 million remaining on his current contract, though the second season is a player option, giving him the freedom to enter unrestricted free agency next summer.

It's emphasised that despite Jokic — who became eligible for a four-year, $278 million max extension on June 14 but has chosen to delay signing for financial reasons, and has stated his "idea and desire" is to remain in Denver — making these comments, Giannakopoulos has not given up. Having previously attempted to lure veteran centre Jonas Valanciunas away from the Nuggets last summer and creating confusion in some circles that a deal was in the works, Giannakopoulos is said to be planning a fresh attempt once Jokic becomes a free agent in the summer of 2027, saying: "Let's wait until next year."

Image: CNN Türk