Should the Denver Nuggets be worried about losing Spencer Jones?
The Denver Nuggets have made minor additions to their roster this offseason, signing Marvin Bagley to serve as the backup to Nikola Jokic, and adding Alpha Diallo, the top defender in the EuroLeague.
Denver lost Jonas Valanciunas, who was the backup to Jokic last season, and Tim Hardaway Jr, the sharpshooter who finished second in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
The big question for Denver this offseason was the status of Peyton Watson, who is a restricted free agent looking to make in the range of $25 to $30 million coming off his breakout season.
Now, Denver has another big question as they are on the verge of losing Spencer Jones.
Spencer Jones Signs Offer Sheet
On Saturday, it was reported that Spencer Jones signed a two-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Nuggets now have 48 hours to match.
Jones just turned 25 in June and is coming off his second season in the league, where he averaged 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 39% from three.
He was one of Denver's best point of attack defenders in the regular season and playoffs.
In 37 games as a starter due to various injuries, Jones averaged 7.6 points while shooting 40% from three, and in the playoffs, he averaged 6.5 points on 69% shooting from three.
With injuries throughout the season to Christian Braun, Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Peyton Watson, Jones took on a bigger role and different roles depending on who was out of the lineup, showing his versatility.
Should Denver Match?
Should they? Yes. Will they? That's a larger question.
$6 million per year for two years on the surface isn't a lot, but this isn't a surface move. Denver is currently in the repeater tax, paying $36.4 million in luxury tax. Matching the offer for Jones brings that number to $68.8 million.
The Kroenke family might only have to pay Jones $6 million per year, but they'll be paying $32.4 million in luxury tax money.
There is also the question of Peyton Watson's extension, which still hasn't been done. Matching the offer for Jones puts them close to the second apron. Add on Watson's extension, and that puts them into the second apron without any trades.
The Kroenkes haven't been keen on continuing to pay tax bills, especially as the team hasn't gotten back to the Western Conference Finals since winning a championship in 2023.
Jones is an important depth piece for Denver, but he might end up being too costly for the team when all factors are considered.
