In a surprising turn of events, the Denver Nuggets have been eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first-round Western Conference playoff series. With Minnesota advancing despite being without its top player, Anthony Edwards, to close out the series, questions are beginning to surface about Nikola Jokić’s future in Denver.
It may be early for trade speculation, but Jokić himself hinted at his frustration, claiming after Thursday’s season-ending 110-98 Game 6 loss that if they were in his native Serbia, they “would all be fired.” While the three-time MVP also reiterated his desire to remain with the franchise long-term, one NBA agent has already floated a potential landing spot.
NBA Agent Names Thunder as Trade Destination for Nikola Jokić
Denver struggled against the Timberwolves’ defensive pressure throughout Round 1, failing to win a game in Minnesota.
Jokić still delivered individually, averaging over 25 points and a near-triple-double for the series. However, his inability to carry his team beyond the first round is already drawing criticism. At one point in the series, the eight-time All-Star even described his own play as “average.”
The Nuggets entered the season and playoffs as championship contenders, making their first-round exit all the more disappointing. While Jokić still wants to remain in Denver “forever,” NBA agent Nate Jones suggested a bold scenario involving the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“If OKC loses to [Victor Wembanyama] this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jokić ends up there. Gives Denver a real ability to reset with all the assets OKC has and gives OKC the weapon they need to compete w/ Wemby while Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] is at height of his powers. A top player that would extend there too,” Jones posted on X.
🔮 If OKC loses to Wemby this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jokic ends up there. Gives Denver a real ability to reset with all the assets OKC has and gives OKC the weapon they need to compete w/ Wemby while Shai at height of his powers. A top player that would extend there too
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) May 1, 2026
It is a highly conditional scenario, but not entirely unrealistic. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the Thunder, they are the favorites to repeat as NBA Champions. If they succeed, speculation around a blockbuster move would likely fade.
However, an early playoff exit, particularly against the San Antonio Spurs, whom they have struggled against all season, could raise questions within the organization. Oklahoma City also holds valuable draft assets, including the Nuggets’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks.
“Yes, Denver’s own picks in ’27 and ’29 and a ton of other picks (including a lottery pick this year) and talent/salaries to match. They win again, and all of this is moot. But if they don’t, going for him makes a lot of sense for both parties,” Jones added.
Yes, Denver’s own picks in 27 and 29 and a ton of other picks (including a lottery pick this year) and talent/salaries to match. They win again, and all of this is moot. But if they don’t, going for him makes a lot of sense for both parties. https://t.co/113Z7caQpm
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) May 1, 2026
Responding to Jokić’s earlier comments about wanting to remain a Nugget forever, Jones suggested the Serbian superstar’s competitive nature could change that.
“Jokić is a competitor and cares about being one of the best ever. He also would be walking away from another $250 million+ to retire. The dude loves to hoop and compete, and Denver is toast,” Jones speculated.
Jokic is a competitor and cares about being one of the best ever. He also would be walking away from another $250 million+ to retire. The dude loves to hoop and compete and Denver is toast. https://t.co/8OKxLv7ASO
— Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) May 1, 2026
Circumstances can change quickly in the NBA. Top-tier players like Giannis Antetokounmpo have expressed loyalty to their teams, only to later voice their discontent. While the Nuggets’ situation is different, the desire to compete for championships often plays a key role in shaping a superstar’s future.
That said, for now, all of this remains speculative. Even if Oklahoma City falls short in the playoffs, a Jokić trade remains unlikely in the near term.
