“No one is safe.” That phrase shook the NBA world when Luka Doncic packed his bags for Los Angeles. If teams can trade a future franchise legend, is anyone untouchable? Exactly—no one. Now, with the Mavericks-Lakers blockbuster sending shockwaves, another thought creeps in. What about the other European giants? Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nikola Jokic. Could they be next? It sounds impossible—until it isn’t.

Speaking on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, the Denver Nuggets star DeAndre Jordan shed some light on the new matter. Chandler Parsons asked him: “Is there a world in which the Nuggets would ever trade Jokic?” This sounds like a nightmare for the franchise and the fans, but after Luka’s trade, anything is possible.

“I personally don’t see it, I also didn’t see the Luka thing happening,” Jordan shared. “I could only, and I don’t want Nuggets fans to come to my house. But the only way I could see that is if he wanted to leave, and then even if he wanted to leave, I’m not trading him.” He added: “Don’t let him. No, you’re not leaving. You’re going to stay here. I don’t see it, and hopefully, that’s not going to happen in the foreseeable future, as long as I’m playing.”

There is no way the Denver Nuggets would let go of their Serbian superstar. Nikola Jokic is the face of the franchise, their beacon of hope. How can they let him go? But, if the 30-year-old asked for a trade, or brought a cyclone around like Jimmy Butler did with the Miami Heat, then maybe (just maybe), the Nuggets could cave in. Moreover, the franchise signed Jokic to a five-year, $276 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid hoopers after Steph Curry.

Speaking of the Luka trade and the Lakers, the Denver Nuggets had their winning streak against LA broken not too long ago. Well, it can never be a great experience losing to any team. But when the Lakers stand before you, and even players like Nikola Jokić fall short against the mighty duo of Doncic and LeBron James, you need a strong perspective. Therefore, ahead of the remaining two games vs. the Purple and Gold DeAndre Jordan issued a message for them.

Nikola Jokic & Co. issue strong message for the Lakers despite their previous loss

The last time the Lakers met the Nuggets, Luka Doncic had a blockbuster night as he scored 32 points. On the other hand, Nikola Jokic & Co. struggled, terribly. It was JJ Redick’s defensive trap that helped LeBron James and his team get their much-awaited 123-100 win on Feb.22. Well, losing never feels great. So, DeAndre Jordan drops a message for the Purple & Gold.

“I think we had to figure out ways to beat better teams. And, you know, when you lose to the Lakers, it’s like your season is over, you know,” Jokic’s teammate said. “It’s like… But, you know, obviously, they came in with a lot of energy with Luka and new guys. And I think that it was a fun game. We’ll see them two more times and we’ll see. But we’re playing a lot better.” The message is simple the Denver Nuggets will come back with a better strategy vs. the Lakers in their next two games slated in March itself.

The message is clear—the Nuggets aren’t backing down. Losing to the Lakers stung, but DeAndre Jordan and his squad aren’t dwelling on it. With two more clashes ahead, they’re gearing up for payback. And while a Nikola Jokic trade feels unthinkable now, Luka’s move proved nothing is off the table. So, as the battle with the Purple & Gold heats up, one thing’s for sure—this story is far from over.