The Denver Nuggets opted to retain Spencer Jones this offseason, matching the offer sheet presented to him yesterday the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

As a restricted free agent, Jones signed the offer sheet, which was a two-year deal worth $6 million per season. 

Denver had 48 hours to match the offer or let Jones head to Oklahoma City. They decided to match before the deadline, keeping Jones under contract for the next two seasons. 

Jones turned 25 in June and is coming off his second season with the Nuggets. He averaged 5.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists on 50% shooting and 39% from three in 64 games with Denver last season. He started in 37 contests due to various injuries throughout the roster. 

Speaking to Keith Smith of Spotrac, a Nuggets executive said it was an easy decision to match the offer sheet presented by the Thunder. 

"We couldn’t let Spencer go. He’s an important player for us and that’s a value contract. No-brainer to match that and keep Spencer home in Denver,” the executive said. 

The contract is a bargain for a role player who plays over 20 minutes a game and impacts the game on both ends of the floor while shooting nearly 40% from three. 

The offer was presented to Jones because he fit into Oklahoma City's cap situation and their talent profile, but also because there was a chance Denver didn't match due to their own cap situation. 

Matching the offer has now put Denver into the second apron, limiting their flexibility for the rest of the offense, notably in negotiations with restricted free agent Peyton Watson?

It was the only decision. 

Denver couldn't afford to lose Jones at that price to a rival team. It did put them into the second apron, which wasn't ideal, but they have until the trade deadline to get under that second apron before facing any long-term penalties. 

It may have changed how they approach the rest of the offseason, but Dever was always facing second apron pressure due to the reported contract demands of Watson, who is seeking $25 to $30 million. 

Now being in the second apron, their options become more limited and their flexibility has decreased, though they've also limited Watson's flexibility and options in the process as they can't take back players in any potential sign-and-trade.

Jones still has room to grow as a player, and with Denver still expected to trade at least one starter, he will have more runway on a team friendly contract this season.