Sources: Nuggets matching Jones' offer sheet
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- Denver Nuggets are matching the Oklahoma City Thunder's fully guaranteed two-year, $12 million offer sheet to Spencer Jones, retaining him as a restricted free agent, per ESPN sources.
- Spencer Jones shot an NBA-best 69.2% from three-point range during the playoffs, and averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds across 64 games (37 starts) in the 2025-26 regular season.
- The matching offer raises the Nuggets' projected luxury tax penalty by $32 million — from $36 million to $68 million — and pushes Denver into the NBA's second apron for the first time under the current collective bargaining agreement.
- The Nuggets are the only NBA team currently in the second apron, though they could shed salary via in-season trades according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
- Since the luxury tax system was implemented in 2002-03, Denver has paid just $53 million in total tax penalties — a fraction of the $68 million bill they now face in a single year.
- Denver is also pursuing restricted free agent Peyton Watson, with the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers showing interest, which could further increase their tax penalty if they match a competing offer.
Why it matters: The Nuggets just doubled their tax bill in one decision, vaulting into the NBA's second apron — a threshold that restricts roster flexibility, trade options, and draft spending. They're now the league's only second-apron team, meaning any further matching moves (like a Peyton Watson offer sheet) deepen the constraint. This signals Denver prioritizing a homegrown shooter over cap flexibility.
