Nikola Jokić’s future uncertain after Nuggets’ loss in Houston
Jokić posted 25 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists in the 110–100 defeat; Tim Kawakami says the center’s long-term status in Denver is open.
On 10 November 2026 the Denver Nuggets fell 110–100 at the Houston Rockets, despite another high-level performance from Nikola Jokić. The Serbian center finished the game with 25 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists, but Denver could not stop a fourth-quarter surge by Houston.
Denver's slow start to the season continued: the club is 5–4 and sits second-last in its division after the defeat. The Nuggets face another road test next, against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Speculation grows over Jokić's future
Beyond the encouraging individual numbers, the bigger story for fans and the league is uncertainty over Jokić's long-term future in Denver. Veteran sports journalist Tim Kawakami said on a podcast that the situation is unresolved and could head in multiple directions next summer.
"I've heard this has been talked about for some time. The situation is completely open. It's possible he returns to Denver, but nothing is certain. It is not guaranteed that he will return and sign a long-term extension with Denver," Kawakami said about Jokić.
The suggestion that Jokić might leave Colorado as early as next summer would rank among the most consequential decisions of his career; multiple teams are expected to show interest if he becomes available. For now, however, both a return and a departure remain plausible while Denver tries to turn results around.
Photo: Denver Nuggets (X)
