Nuggets match Thunder's offer to keep Spencer Jones — report

DENVER – The Denver Nuggets will retain forward Spencer Jones after matching the Oklahoma City Thunder's two-year, $12 million offer sheet before Sunday's deadline, according to ESPN.

Jones, a restricted free agent, received the fully guaranteed contract offer from the Thunder on Saturday. Denver had until 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday to decide whether to match the offer and keep the 25-year-old forward.

The Nuggets originally signed the undrafted Stanford product to a two-way contract in 2024 before converting it into a standard NBA contract in February.

Jones appeared in 64 regular-season games last season, making 37 starts. He averaged 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 22.1 minutes per game while shooting 50.4% from the field. During the playoffs, he started three of six games, averaging 6.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 24.2 minutes per contest.

Over two NBA seasons, Jones has averaged 4.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 18.4 minutes across 84 regular-season games, including 37 starts.

ESPN reported that matching the offer will increase Denver's luxury tax bill by approximately $32 million, bringing its total to about $68 million while pushing the franchise into the NBA's second tax apron.

Meanwhile, The Oklahoman reported that the Thunder still have one open roster spot after trading wing Luguentz Dort to the Atlanta Hawks on July 19. Oklahoma City is also reportedly about $6.9 million below the second tax apron.

— Field Level Media/Reuters