Greek Billionaire Attempts to Lure Nikola Jokić from Nuggets

Dimitrios Giannakopoulos, a Greek billionaire and owner of Panathinaikos Basketball Club, has made an offer to buy out the last year of Nikola Jokić's contract with the Denver Nuggets. This move comes as Jokić, a three-time MVP, has expressed his intention to finish his NBA career with the Nuggets.

Despite the Nuggets rejecting Giannakopoulos' proposal, he remains optimistic about persuading Jokić to join him in free agency next summer. Jokić currently has two seasons and $121.8 million remaining on his contract, with a player option that could make him an unrestricted free agent after the 2027 season.

Giannakopoulos, whose net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion, would need to offer a lucrative deal to attract Jokić, who could sign a five-year extension worth $359.5 million with the Nuggets in July 2027. However, Jokić's preference still appears to be staying with the Nuggets and continuing his NBA career.