NBA free agency rumors: Nuggets sign Nikola Jokic, Will Barton to new deals

The Denver Nuggets have inked two of their best players to new deals.

The team announced Monday center Nikola Jokic has officially signed his contract extension. Additionally, the team re-signed free agent guard Will Barton.

Jokic, 23, had a great year for the Nuggets in 2017-18 averaging career-highs with 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists. The Serbian is one of the NBA's most versatile big men, recording 10 triple-doubles last season.

"I am so happy to remain a Denver Nugget for many years to come, it is truly an amazing feeling,” Jokic said, via the Nuggets. “This franchise believed in me in 2014 and I want to thank the Kroenke family and our great front-office, coaching and training staffs for supporting me and being there for me over the last three years as I’ve become the player I am today.”

Barton, 27, also enjoyed a career year last season, averaging 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists, starting 40 of the team's 82 games. He came over in a trade from the Portland Trailblazers in 2015 and was the 40th pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.

“I couldn’t be happier to be back in Denver and I want to say thank you to the Kroenke family and Tim and Arturas for believing in me,” Barton said. “This entire organization has shown a lot of faith in me and I just feel blessed to be in this situation. I love playing for this city and this team and can’t wait to get back to work.”

Barton's deal is for four years, $53 million while Nokic's extension is a five-year, $148 million max deal. Both players originally agreed to terms last week.