{
  "id": 5198276,
  "title": "Nikola Jokic Linked To Toronto Raptors As Potential Trade Target",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/nikola-jokic-linked-to-toronto-raptors-as-potential-trade-target",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T23:32:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nikola-jokic-linked-toronto-raptors-233207267.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the Toronto Raptors prepare for a new season, whispers of a potential trade for Nikola Jokic have surfaced. After a solid fifth-place finish last year, the Raptors are eyeing a top-four finish in the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season and beyond. While Jokic has yet to sign his extension with the Denver Nuggets, he has developed a close relationship with Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, who is among only three European coaches in the league. Rajakovic has praised Jokic highly in interviews, indicating a mutual respect between the two.\n\nJokic, who has been with the Nuggets for his entire 11-year NBA career, has consistently delivered impressive stats as a playmaker, ball handler, and scorer. However, the 31-year-old has a player option for a $62.8 million salary in 2027-28, giving him the option to leave Denver if he feels the team isn't pushing for a championship. If that were to happen, Jokic could become a target for most teams in the league. Yet, the Raptors stand out as an ideal fit, as they have coach Rajakovic by his side, and Jokic could join a star-studded roster alongside Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl. Moreover, playing for a non-American team would be a fitting destination for Jokic, a top European basketball player. Ultimately, the future of Jokic's career remains uncertain, but the Raptors are in a strong position to make a move for the superstar if the opportunity arises.",
  "summary": "Raptors are lurking as potential Nikola Jokic landing spot if he's traded from the Nuggets.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}