Spencer Jones called his free agency decision "a business" after the Nuggets matched Oklahoma City's offer sheet to keep the emerging forward in Denver.
Spencer Jones is staying with the Denver Nuggets, and the 25-year-old forward is making it clear there are no hard feelings after an unusual free agency process.
The Nuggets matched the two-year, $11.75 million offer sheet Jones signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, keeping the former Stanford standout in Denver. The fully guaranteed deal, worth nearly $12 million, ensures Jones remains with the organization that originally developed him after he entered the NBA on a two-way contract.
Following the news, Jones addressed the situation in a lengthy LinkedIn post, acknowledging that some Nuggets fans questioned why he signed an offer sheet with a Western Conference rival.
"I know some people are confused, and some fans are even upset," Jones wrote. "How could I sign with a rival?"
Jones Explains Free Agency Decision
Rather than viewing the process as choosing one franchise over another, Jones said he approached free agency as a business decision.
He explained that both Denver and Oklahoma City offered the type of situation he wanted, pointing to roster fit, championship aspirations and organizational stability as his top priorities.
Mar 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images"This is a business. Front offices treat it that way every day and players have to do the same," Jones wrote.
Jones added that signing the offer sheet guaranteed he would land in a situation he believed was best for his career while also securing compensation that reflected his value.
The Nuggets ultimately exercised their right to match the Thunder's offer, allowing Jones to remain with the only NBA organization he has played for.
Reward for Steady Development
Jones' new contract marks another milestone in a career built on steady improvement.
After making just 20 appearances during his rookie season, he carved out a consistent role in 2025-26, playing in 64 games with 37 starts. He averaged 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and shot 50.4% from the field while knocking down 39.6% of his 3-point attempts.
His combination of size, defensive versatility and improved perimeter shooting made him a valuable rotation piece for a Denver team that continues to prioritize depth around its core.
Jones also highlighted another accomplishment in his LinkedIn post, noting that his contract represents the largest fully guaranteed offer sheet ever signed by an undrafted player who was converted from a two-way contract.
Feb 22, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images"From a two-way with no safety net to this," Jones wrote. "I don't take that lightly."
Now entering his third NBA season, Jones returns to a Nuggets team with championship expectations and an opportunity to continue expanding his role.
His message closed with a simple statement that reflected both gratitude and motivation.
"Now I get to keep building with the team that bet on me from the start," Jones wrote. "Back to work."
