Nuggets' Updated NBA Salary Cap After Spencer Jones Contract Pushes Team Into Second Apron
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- The Denver Nuggets matched the Oklahoma City Thunder's two-year, $12 million offer sheet to retain restricted free agent forward Spencer Jones, avoiding losing him for a veteran minimum replacement.
- By matching the offer, Denver has moved into the NBA's second luxury tax apron and will face a $68 million tax penalty.
- Jones, an undrafted rookie from Stanford, played 64 games with 37 starts last season, averaging 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds, and performed efficiently in the postseason during Aaron Gordon's absence.
- The Nuggets have maintained most of their roster amid financial constraints and are now focused on negotiating a deal for restricted free agent Peyton Watson, who is reportedly seeking around $25 million per year.
- Denver is open to a sign-and-trade arrangement to retain Watson, indicating ongoing roster management despite salary cap challenges.
