DENVER -- The Nuggets gave Nikola Jokic what he wanted this offseason, adding the kind of depth the Oklahoma City Thunder boasted when they survived a seven-game second-round series with Denver on their way to winning the NBA championship.

The expected payoff isn't just in a deeper rotation and fresher legs come playoff time but also in a colossal contract extension for their superstar next summer.

Jokic bypassed the opportunity to sign a four-year, $212 million deal this summer because next year he can sign that same four-year extension for $293 million.

"I mean, I don't think about it," Jokic said. "I think those contract extensions come as a reward, as something that is natural to the sport. Especially in today's NBA how you see how the salary cap is growing and everything."

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