Despite being an average prospect entering the 2014 NBA Draft, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has performed well above the team’s expectations. Last season, Jokic averaged a career-high 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists (in case you’re unimpressed, he ranked 3rd in points and 1st in assists among centers).

According to reports, the Nuggets will decline his team option to sign him to a contract extension. Jokic is expected to sign for the max, which would likely be a 5-year, $146.5 million deal. In comparison, his team option was worth only $1.6 million.

Now, you might ask why the Nuggets would throw so much money at the Serbian star when they didn’t have to? The answer: 2019 free agency.

While his player option would have been the financially sound decision in the short run, accepting the option would severely hurt the Nuggets chances of re-signing him next season.

He is only 23 years old, and already seems like a franchise player. Players like Jokic do not come around very often. His passing ability is unmatched in the NBA as he averaged almost twice as many assists as the next best passing big.

Jokic also possesses an all-around game, able to do just about anything he wants on the floor. After all, he tallied ten triple-doubles—which were by far the most by any big (the next highest center had three).

Jokic has certainly earned his raise and is now set to be the face of the Denver Nuggets.

Featured Image via: Flickr/David Herrera