The Denver Nuggets have a decision to make after restricted free agent Spencer Jones agreed to a two-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Denver now has until 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday to match the fully guaranteed contract and retain the 24-year-old forward. If the Nuggets decline to match, Jones will join an Oklahoma City team that already boasts one of the NBA’s deepest young rosters.
Charania reported that Jones is “ready to conclude” his chapter in Denver after emerging as a valuable rotation player during the 2025-26 season. His postseason shooting was particularly eye-catching, as he led all playoff participants by shooting 69% from three-point range in limited opportunities.
Jones took a significant step forward in his second NBA season. After appearing in just 20 games as a rookie and averaging 1.3 points in 6.3 minutes, he became a regular part of Denver’s rotation in 2025-26. He played 64 games, including 37 starts, while averaging 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and shooting 50.4% from the field and 39.6% from three in 22.1 minutes per game.
His efficiency stood out on a veteran Nuggets roster. Jones posted a .613 effective field goal percentage while providing floor spacing and defensive versatility on the wing, making him a useful complementary piece alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.
The timing of the offer sheet presents another financial challenge for Denver. The Nuggets are already navigating restricted free agency with Peyton Watson, who is seeking a much larger long-term contract after averaging 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds last season. Charania noted that both Jones and Watson have complicated Denver’s offseason as the organization attempts to manage rising luxury tax costs.
Denver has otherwise taken a conservative approach this summer. The front office traded down in the 2026 NBA Draft to add future assets, selected Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins, signed Marvin Bagley III and Alpha Diallo to low-cost deals, and retained backup point guard Tyus Jones. The franchise is also preparing for Nikola Jokic’s expected contract extension negotiations next offseason after the three-time MVP elected to delay signing a new deal this summer.
