Spencer Jones Is Forcing the Nuggets’ Hand - And That’s a Good Thing
The Denver Nuggets have had no shortage of bright spots this season, but few have been as unexpected - or as impactful - as Spencer Jones. The rookie wing has carved out a legitimate role in Denver’s rotation, and he’s done it on a two-way contract. That’s not just rare - it’s borderline unheard of this early in the season.
Here’s the catch: Jones is running out of games.
Two-way players are capped at 50 active games per season, and Jones is already bumping up against that limit. As it stands, he’s eligible to suit up for just five more games before the Nuggets have to make a decision: convert his contract to a full-time NBA deal or sideline him until the postseason.
The good news? Denver’s been preparing for this.
The team left a roster spot open - the 15th slot - presumably with the intention of promoting Jones when the time came. The bad news?
Timing and money are complicating things.
Navigating the Cap - and the Calendar
The Nuggets are trying to duck under the luxury tax line before the trade deadline. That means shedding just over $400,000 in salary, which would give them some breathing room financially and help avoid the dreaded repeater tax down the line. It’s a smart move - but it also means they’re likely to hold off on converting Jones’ deal until after the February 5 trade deadline.
That’s where things get tricky. Jones has five games left before he hits his limit.
With the deadline looming, the Nuggets were reportedly preparing to be without him for a few games leading into that February 5 cutoff. But a bit of good fortune came their way: Sunday’s game in Memphis was postponed, effectively buying the team an extra game of eligibility for Jones.
Now, if everything holds, Jones’ 50th game would be on February 3 in Detroit. That would mean he’d only miss one game - February 4 in New York - before the deadline hits. If Denver makes its moves quickly, they could have Jones back in uniform for the February 7 matchup in Chicago.
A Good Problem to Have
Let’s be real - this is the kind of problem every team wants. The Nuggets found something in Spencer Jones.
He’s a big wing who defends, rebounds, and has made a real leap offensively. His three-point shooting has become a legitimate weapon, and he’s shown the kind of poise and consistency that coaches trust.
Jones didn’t just sneak into the rotation because of injuries - he earned his spot. He’s been available, he’s been reliable, and he’s been productive. That’s not easy to find, especially on a two-way deal.
At this point, it would be more surprising if Jones didn’t crack the playoff rotation. He’s played his way into the conversation, and with the way he’s contributing on both ends of the floor, it’s hard to imagine Michael Malone not calling his number when it matters most.
What Comes Next
The Nuggets have a few decisions to make, but they’re in a strong position. They’ve got a roster spot open, a player who’s clearly outperformed his contract, and a financial target that’s within reach. If they can make a small move at the deadline - trimming just enough salary to get under the tax - they can convert Jones’ deal and keep their core intact.
And make no mistake: Jones is starting to feel like part of that core. He’s not just a good story - he’s a good player. The Nuggets struck gold, and now it’s time to make it official.