Jokic's Shocking European Suitor: Panathinaikos Made 'Serious' Bid, Plans 2027 Re-Attempt
Greek businessman Dimitrios Giannakopoulos of Panathinaikos has publicly revealed his failed attempt to buy out Nikola Jokic's contract from the Denver Nuggets, vowing to pursue him again next summer. Jokic, eligible for record extensions, has expressed a desire to stay in Denver but is delaying a new deal for financial reasons. Meanwhile, the Nuggets maintain a quiet free agency, focusing on roster stability.
Dimitrios Giannakopoulos, the Greek businessman and owner of Panathinaikos Basketball Club in Athens, has publicly stated his ambitious intent to acquire NBA superstar Nikola Jokic. Giannakopoulos revealed on the "Euro Insiders" podcast that he made a "very serious proposal" to the Denver Nuggets and Jokic this year, aiming to buy out the final season of Jokic's current NBA contract. Despite receiving a swift rejection from the Nuggets, Giannakopoulos remains determined and plans to pursue Jokic again next summer when the two-time MVP could potentially enter unrestricted free agency.
Nikola Jokic currently has two seasons remaining on his contract, with the second year being a player option, which would allow him to become a free agent next summer. Jokic, 31, became eligible on June 14 to sign a four-year, $278 million max extension with the Nuggets. While he has expressed his "idea and desire" to remain with Denver for the entirety of his career, he has reportedly declined to commit to an extension at this time, citing financial reasons for his decision to wait. According to ESPN NBA front office insider Bobby Marks, Jokic is projected to be eligible to sign an unprecedented five-year, $359.5 million extension with the Nuggets in July 2027, which would mark the largest contract in NBA history.
Giannakopoulos described the Nuggets' reaction to his initial offer as dismissive, stating they quickly rejected the proposal. However, he emphasized his seriousness and encouraged the podcast hosts to confirm his claims with Jokic's agent, Misko Raznatovic. This is not Giannakopoulos's first attempt to attract NBA talent; last summer, he unsuccessfully tried to lure veteran center Jonas Valanciunas from the Nuggets. Valanciunas ultimately played out his season in Denver before departing this summer for Lithuanian EuroLeague powerhouse Zalgiris Kaunas.
The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, have experienced a relatively quiet free agency period. They have primarily focused on maintaining their expensive core roster. Their key moves include adding veteran center Marvin Bagley III and retaining reserve wing Spencer Jones by matching a two-year, $12 million offer sheet from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team is also navigating ongoing restricted free agency negotiations with Peyton Watson, as they aim to keep their championship-contending roster intact amidst these external pursuits.