Panathinaikos Attempts to Lure Nikola Jokić from Nuggets with Buyout Offer

Dimitrios Giannakopoulos, the owner of Panathinaikos B.C., has made a significant attempt to recruit NBA star Nikola Jokić by proposing a buyout of his final contract year with the Denver Nuggets. Despite the Nuggets swiftly rejecting the offer, Giannakopoulos remains optimistic about persuading Jokić to forgo his lucrative player option worth approximately $64 million for the 2027-28 season.

In a recent podcast appearance, Giannakopoulos revealed that he had made a serious proposal to both Jokić and his team, which was met with a quick dismissal. He noted that the Nuggets' response was almost immediate, indicating their reluctance to consider the offer. Giannakopoulos expressed his determination to wait and see if Jokić might change his mind in the future.

Last season, Jokić showcased his elite skills, becoming the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds and assists, averaging 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game while scoring 27.7 points. Currently, he is set to earn $59 million next season, and he has opted not to sign a contract extension this offseason, potentially positioning himself for a more lucrative deal next summer.

The financial landscape for the Nuggets is becoming increasingly complex as they navigate luxury tax implications and roster decisions, particularly with the recent matching of a $12 million offer sheet for Spencer Jones. This situation could complicate their ability to retain other players, including restricted free agent Peyton Watson, who may demand a substantial salary.

Giannakopoulos has a history of attempting to lure players from the Nuggets, having previously sought to sign center Jonas Valančiūnas after his trade to Denver. However, Valančiūnas opted to stay with the Nuggets before eventually signing with another team after being waived.