The Denver Nuggets are deep in the grind of a season that’s been anything but smooth. Injuries have tested their depth, and with two roster spots still open, the front office is eyeing the buyout market for reinforcements.
But let’s be clear - they’re not expecting a miracle addition to swoop in and change the game. What they’re really looking for is experience, leadership, and someone who can seamlessly fit into a playoff-ready locker room.
Assistant coach David Adelman didn’t sugarcoat it. “Who you have is your team,” he said, but also acknowledged the value of keeping an eye on the buyout market.
“It would be stupid not to look at some of these guys, if they do get bought out, and what they can bring into a playoff run… just because of the experience part of it.” Translation: the Nuggets aren’t searching for a savior - they’re looking for a steady hand, a veteran voice, and maybe a few timely minutes down the stretch.
That’s where names like Chris Paul, Lonzo Ball, and Chris Boucher come into the conversation. These are players who’ve been mentioned in buyout circles, but none would likely crack the Nuggets’ core rotation as it stands. That’s not a knock - it’s a reflection of how tight and talented Denver’s top group is when healthy.
Still, the buyout market is unpredictable. Bigger names - think Kevin Love, Jusuf Nurkic, CJ McCollum - could hit the open market depending on how things shake out post-All-Star break.
Adelman expects the market to pick up steam after the festivities in Indianapolis wrap up. And with Denver firmly in the championship hunt, they're a desirable destination for any vet hoping to chase a ring.
The Nuggets offer the chance to contribute on a contender, and Denver’s a city that players genuinely enjoy. That combination could give them the edge in landing the right fit.
Meanwhile, the team is also closing in on a more internal move - finalizing a standard contract for Spencer Jones. The second-year wing out of Stanford has been playing on a two-way deal, but that’s about to change. Adelman confirmed that Jones’ agent and the Nuggets’ front office are working on a deal “that’s fair for both sides.”
Jones has quietly become a key contributor in a season where availability has been half the battle. Despite dealing with injuries himself - he’s currently in concussion protocol - Jones has started 34 games and carved out a real role. He’s averaging 23.6 minutes per game, offering reliable defense and floor spacing, exactly the kind of versatility Denver needs from its supporting cast.
He was upgraded to questionable for the final game before the All-Star break against the Grizzlies, and the hope was to have his new deal in place before tip-off. Whether or not that happens, it’s clear Jones is no longer just a depth piece - he’s part of the rotation, and part of the plan.
So while the Nuggets explore external options, they’re also reinforcing from within. The buyout market may offer a veteran voice or two, but in Spencer Jones, they’ve found a young player already proving he belongs.