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Panathinaikos Owner Makes Bold Nikola Jokic Move and Targets 2027 Free Agency

Posted : 11 August 2026

Panathinaikos owner Dimitrios Giannakopoulos has revealed that he made a serious attempt to bring Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic to Greece this summer, but the proposal was rejected.

Giannakopoulos said on the Euro Insiders podcast that he approached both the Nuggets and Jokic's representatives with an offer to buy out the final season of the Serbian center's NBA contract. The proposal was turned down, although the Greek businessman remains determined to pursue the three-time NBA MVP.

Jokic currently has two seasons and approximately $121.8 million remaining on his contract with Denver. The final year is a player option, meaning he could choose to enter unrestricted free agency next summer rather than remain with the Nuggets through the 2027-28 season.

The 31-year-old will also be eligible for a potential five-year extension worth an estimated $359.5 million in July 2027. Such a deal would represent the largest contract in NBA history, giving Jokic a major financial incentive to remain in Denver.

Despite the financial realities, Giannakopoulos believes Panathinaikos can make a serious push when Jokic reaches free agency. He said the Nuggets rejected his initial approach almost immediately but insisted that he intends to return with another proposal next summer.

The Panathinaikos owner has previously attempted to attract NBA talent to Athens. Last summer, he pursued veteran center Jonas Valanciunas and reportedly came close to convincing the Lithuanian to join the Greek club before Valanciunas ultimately remained in Denver for the 2025-26 season. 

Jokic has spent his entire NBA career with the Nuggets and led the franchise to its first championship in 2023. Although he has delayed signing a new extension, he has previously expressed a desire to remain in Denver for the rest of his career.

For now, a move to the EuroLeague remains highly unlikely, but Giannakopoulos' comments ensure that Jokic's future will continue to generate speculation. Panathinaikos' ambitious owner has made it clear that he is prepared to try again if the opportunity opens up in 2027.

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