Two years, $12 million! Nuggets match Thunder's offer to keep Jones, luxury tax increases by $32 million

Per Shams' report on July 27th Beijing time, the Nuggets opted to match the two-year, $12 million offer that the Thunder extended to Spencer Jones, securing the restricted free agent's return to Denver. The Nuggets place great importance on keeping this player they developed internally, who joined the team as an undrafted rookie in 2024.

After the Nuggets matched Jones' offer sheet, the team's luxury tax bill will increase by $32 million, rising from $36 million to $68 million, and they will trigger the second apron. The Nuggets will have to bear a hefty luxury tax, but they can reduce their total salary through trades during the season.

The Nuggets' top priority now: do everything possible to retain restricted free agent Peyton Watson, with the Hawks, Bucks, and Clippers all showing interest in acquiring him.

The Thunder's two-year, $12 million contract is fully guaranteed, representing a targeted poaching move that once put the Nuggets in a dilemma. According to league rules, as a restricted free agent, if the Nuggets decline to match, this quality 3-and-D wing would directly join the Western Conference rival Thunder, bolstering their bench depth.

Last season, Jones experienced a career breakout, becoming an indispensable key piece on the Nuggets' wing. Especially during the playoffs, he posted an incredible 69.2% three-point percentage, ranking first in the entire league. His accurate outside shooting, solid defensive positioning, and switchability perfectly fit the modern 3-and-D role, offering greater stability on both ends than many players.