The Denver Nuggets are matching the Oklahoma City Thunder’s fully guaranteed two-year, $12 million offer sheet to Spencer Jones, retaining the key forward in restricted free agency, sources told ESPN on Sunday night.
Despite facing significant financial burdens, the Nuggets valued keeping their homegrown player, whom they landed on an undrafted deal in 2024.
By matching Jones’ sheet, the Nuggets will have a $32 million increase in luxury taxes (from $36 million to $68 million) and enter the second apron. They are deep in tax bills but could shed money via trades in season.
The Nuggets also are navigating to try to retain restricted free agent Peyton Watson while the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers pursue him.