Nikola Jokic has been an absolute stalwart this year! He helped the Denver Nuggets get their first title. Jokic was the pillar for the Nuggets throughout this year’s title run. With the hopes of the Mile High City resting on his shoulder, the 28-year-old managed to pull off the greatest trick in the league, securing an NBA title.

However, unlike other elite athletes, Jokic did not receive a hefty sum in fees. Despite giving it all for his team, a recent report suggests that the Serbian star may have lost out on a mammoth $37 million by the Nuggets.

Nikola Jokic deprived of millions in payment?

Athletes deserve fair compensation from their franchises and also through endorsements. This is especially true in a league as lucrative as the NBA, where top athletes make millions of dollars. In fact, seeing NBA athletes in the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes is common. Players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry frequently make it to the list. But in the case of ‘The Joker’, who has stood by his team for years, the fee does not match the accolades he has brought to Denver.

Jokic finished in 2nd place in this year’s MVP race, behind Joel Embiid, who has a four-year contract worth $210,112,000 with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Serbian player averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists this season. For an athlete of the Joker’s caliber, his market value is estimated to be around $70,068,735, as reported by ‘Hoops Hype’. When we compare this to his actual salary, it simply pales in comparison.

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Jokic’s actual salary for this season was $33,047,803, a massive difference of $37,020,932 from his estimated market value. Now a case can be made that the staggering difference is unfair for the champ, but at the end of the day, it is Jokic’s choice to stick by his team. Having said that, being underpaid by a margin of over $37 million is no small difference for anyone. Interestingly, he is also the NBA’s third-highest-paid player and the Nuggets’ highest-paid player this year.

The 2023 NBA Finals MVP played the most important role in bringing home the NBA trophy to the Nuggets. Additionally, he is also a 2x NBA MVP at just the age of 28. Jokic’s accomplishments on the court speak volumes.

Other underpaid players on the list included Jayson Tatum (Boston), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana), Ja Morant (Memphis), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia) and several more well-known players.

Do you agree they are being underpaid?

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