𝙅𝙐𝙎𝙏 𝙄𝙉: 𝙉𝙤. 1 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙉𝙞𝙠𝙤𝙡𝙖 𝙅𝙤𝙠𝙞ć 𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙨 $90.1 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘽𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙪𝙠𝙚𝙚 𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙨

No. 1 American Player Nikola Jokić Signs $90.1 Million Contract with Cleveland Cavaliers in Bombshell Decision Over Milwaukee Bucks

June 29, 2025 | Cleveland, OH –
In one of the most shocking developments of the NBA offseason, Nikola Jokić, the reigning MVP and widely considered the No. 1 American player in the league today, has officially signed a jaw-dropping $90.1 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The bombshell decision comes after weeks of speculation that the Milwaukee Bucks were leading the race for his signature. Instead, Jokić stunned the basketball world by pledging his future to a rising Cavaliers team a move that is already reshaping the league’s balance of power.

For weeks, rumors swirled about where Jokić would land after declining his player option and entering free agency. The Bucks, fresh off a disappointing playoff run and desperately seeking to pair a high-IQ big man with Giannis Antetokounmpo, were believed to be the frontrunners. Miami, New York, and even Dallas had all reportedly made pitches. Yet, it was the Cleveland Cavaliers a franchise still carving out its post-LeBron James identity that came out on top.

The deal is valued at $90.1 million over three years, with a player option in the final season, making it one of the richest short-term contracts in league history.

Jokić’s camp confirmed the signing late Saturday evening in a press conference held in downtown Cleveland, where the superstar was flanked by Cavaliers executives and beaming ownership.

“This is a basketball city. The Cavaliers are building something special, and I want to be part of it,” Jokić said. “I felt the energy here. The vision. The commitment to winning. That’s what drew me in.”

Jokić, who recently gained American citizenship after years of residence and is now officially categorized under USA Basketball for international play, reportedly visited both Cleveland and Milwaukee for in-person meetings. While Milwaukee had the allure of a ready-made contender with Giannis and Khris Middleton, sources say Jokić was drawn to Cleveland’s blend of youth, culture, and untapped potential.

According to reports from ESPN and The Athletic, several factors influenced his decision:

Jokić will anchor a frontcourt featuring Evan Mobley, one of the league’s most promising defensive big men. The prospect of a twin-tower lineup with two elite-passing bigs was reportedly a major draw.

Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s offensive system emphasizes ball movement and cerebral play, tailor-made for Jokić’s vision and skillset.

Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Mobley present an elite trio of young talent. The addition of Jokić instantly elevates Cleveland into top-tier contender status.

Known for his humble and low-key demeanor, Jokić preferred Cleveland’s quieter market over the glitz and pressure of bigger cities.

This is the single most impactful free agent signing in Cavaliers history not involving LeBron James. For a franchise that’s often been in the shadow of their former hometown hero, Jokić’s commitment marks a defining moment.

The Cavaliers are now legitimate Eastern Conference contenders. With Jokić, Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley forming a dynamic core, the Cavs can go toe-to-toe with Boston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia.

To make cap space for Jokić’s massive deal, Cleveland executed a series of shrewd trades in the past 48 hours. Veteran big man Jarrett Allen was moved to Charlotte in a sign-and-trade, opening space for Jokić and allowing Mobley to slide into the power forward slot full-time. Rumors also suggest the Cavs may pursue sharpshooter Malik Beasley to complement their offensive firepower.

Jokić is known not just for his talent but for his leadership and unselfish play. His presence is expected to elevate the entire locker room and bring a new level of maturity to a still-developing squad.

Milwaukee’s front office and fanbase were left reeling. Jokić was seen as the final piece to a championship puzzle, and multiple sources confirmed the Bucks offered a comparable financial package. The allure of pairing Jokić and Giannis arguably the two smartest and most unique big men in basketball had the league on edge.

A source close to the situation said Jokić had “real interest” in Milwaukee but questioned their long-term stability, particularly with looming concerns about the health and age of the supporting cast. The loss could have far-reaching consequences for the Bucks, especially as Giannis nears another pivotal contract decision.

Milwaukee GM Jon Horst responded tersely:

“We put our best foot forward. Nikola made a different choice. We’ll adapt and continue building around our core.”

Social media erupted within minutes of the news breaking.

The Cavaliers’ online merchandise store reportedly crashed within 30 minutes due to surging demand for Jokić jerseys.

Jokić’s decision reflects a larger trend in the NBA: parity is king. No longer are superstars only heading to LA or New York. Markets like Cleveland, Denver, Sacramento, and Memphis are building strong cultures and attracting elite talent.

This move also reignites debates over superteams and player empowerment. Jokić could have joined an established juggernaut. Instead, he chose to help create one on his terms.

With Jokić now at the helm in Cleveland, the Cavs immediately enter the “must-watch” category. Early Vegas odds already show Cleveland’s championship chances jumping from +2000 to +550 overnight, trailing only Boston and Denver.

The league is likely to schedule the Cavaliers for more national broadcasts, and opening night could feature a tantalizing matchup: Cavaliers vs. Bucks.

Nikola Jokić’s move to Cleveland is more than just a signing it’s a statement. A testament to a player who values fit, leadership, and long-term vision over immediate glory. A spark that could turn Cleveland into the next NBA powerhouse.

In a summer filled with blockbuster trades and unpredictable twists, Jokić has delivered the ultimate surprise and in doing so, has changed the course of basketball in Ohio forever.