𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝙄𝙉: 𝙉𝙤. 1 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙞𝙠𝙤𝙡𝙖 𝙅𝙤𝙠𝙞ć 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙨 $90.1 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘽𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙪𝙠𝙚𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨
𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝙄𝙉: 𝙉𝙤. 1 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙞𝙠𝙤𝙡𝙖 𝙅𝙤𝙠𝙞ć 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙨 $90.1 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘽𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙪𝙠𝙚𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨
CLEVELAND, OH — July 3, 2025
In a jaw-dropping turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the NBA landscape, two-time MVP and reigning top American-based player Nikola Jokić has officially signed a $90.1 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, stunning fans and league insiders alike. The deal ends months of speculation surrounding Jokić’s future and marks one of the most significant free-agent signings in franchise history.
Jokić, who had been heavily linked to the Milwaukee Bucks, opted for Cleveland in what insiders are calling a “bombshell decision” influenced by both roster potential and personal considerations. The contract, a three-year deal with a fourth-year player option, will pay him an average of $30 million per season, solidifying his position as one of the league’s highest-paid centers.
Cavs Land a Superstar
Cleveland has been aggressively rebuilding since the departure of LeBron James and now looks poised to return to championship contention. With emerging stars like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, the addition of Jokić instantly elevates the Cavaliers into Eastern Conference title discussions.
Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, addressed the media at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse shortly after the signing was announced:
> “This is a historic moment for our franchise. Nikola is not just one of the most skilled players in the league—he’s a proven leader and winner. His decision to join Cleveland speaks volumes about the vision we’re building.”
Why Cleveland?
While Milwaukee was widely viewed as the frontrunner—offering the allure of a championship-ready team alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo—sources close to Jokić say he was drawn to the Cavaliers’ young core, the opportunity to be the face of the franchise, and a city with a growing basketball culture.
> “The people here welcomed me instantly,” Jokić said in a brief statement. “There’s something special about this team, this city. I’m ready to get to work.”
His decision comes just weeks after he declined his player option with the Denver Nuggets, surprising many who expected the Serbian big man to either re-sign or team up with another veteran superstar.
Fallout in Milwaukee
The Bucks front office is reportedly “stunned and disappointed,” as they were believed to have offered a slightly larger deal and a more immediate championship path. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was reportedly in contact with Jokić throughout the recruitment process, posted a cryptic emoji-filled message on X (formerly Twitter) just minutes after the news broke, sparking speculation about his own long-term plans in Milwaukee.
League-Wide Reactions
Players and analysts across the NBA reacted swiftly to the blockbuster news. LeBron James posted “Cleveland again?” followed by a flame emoji, while ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski called it “one of the most unexpected and pivotal free-agent moves of the last decade.”
Former Cavs legend Kevin Love told reporters, “Jokić is going to thrive in Cleveland. That fan base is hungry, and he’s the kind of player that feeds off that energy.”
What’s Next for the Cavs?
The Cavaliers now boast a formidable lineup blending youth, length, and now a generational talent at center. Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff is expected to implement a motion-heavy offense that will allow Jokić’s passing and basketball IQ to shine.
Training camp begins in September, and with tickets already surging in price, Cavs fans have every reason to believe the team’s next golden era is just beginning.
As the league adjusts to this new power shift, one thing is clear: Nikola Jokić is all-in on Cleveland—and the NBA will never be the same.
