Serbia's Nikola Jokic reacts during their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European qualifiers match between Serbia and Bosnia, in Belgrade, Serbia, on July 6, 2026. [Darko Vojinovic/AP]
Could three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic suit up for a professional team in Greece in 2027-28? Well, if Panathinaikos Basketball Club owner Dimitrios Giannakopoulos had his way, Jokic would be playing for his team this coming season.
Giannakopoulos, whose net worth is estimated anywhere from $500 million and $1.9 billion, said in a “Euro Insiders” podcast published today that he pitched the Denver Nuggets on buying out Jokic’s contract and bringing him to Athens.
“People are going to say, ‘OK, now he’s joking,'” Giannakopoulos said. “I did make a very serious proposal this year, both to his team and to him. I got a rejection. I know that he has one more year (on his) contract.”
Technically, Jokic has two years remaining. Per Spotrac, he’s due to be paid $59,033,114 this season and $62,841,702 next season — but 2027-28 is Jokic’s option.
