THUNDER OFFER $12M FOR NUGGETS FORWARD JONES

The Oklahoma City Thunder submitted a two-year, fully guaranteed offer sheet worth $12 million for Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Spencer Jones on Saturday. The contract offers Jones $6 million per year. The Nuggets have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday to decide whether to match the offer. Jones, 25, is in the second year of his NBA career after signing an initial two-way contract with Denver and being converted to a full contract in February 2026.

Jones appeared in 64 games for Denver last season, starting 37 of those matches as a backup to Aaron Gordon. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 22 minutes per game whilst shooting 40 per cent from three-point range on 144 attempts. The 6-foot-7 forward demonstrated particular accuracy in the playoffs, shooting 69 per cent on 13 three-point attempts. According to ESPN's cap analyst Bobby Marks, matching the offer would increase Denver's luxury tax penalties from $36.4 million to $68.6 million for next season. Denver has paid a total of $53 million in tax penalties since the 2002-03 season.

The Thunder targeted Jones as part of their offseason restructuring. Oklahoma City traded away three significant three-point shooters — Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons, and both Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks — to reduce payroll and stay below the luxury tax threshold. Jones would provide a lower-cost replacement option for that long-range shooting. The Nuggets must also address restricted free agency for forward Peyton Watson, who reportedly seeks $28 million per year.