Spencer Jones Is Forcing the Nuggets’ Hand - And That’s a Good Thing
The Denver Nuggets have had their fair share of surprises this season, but none have been quite as impactful - or as unexpected - as the emergence of Spencer Jones. The second-year wing out of Stanford came into the year on a two-way contract, penciled in for G League minutes with the Grand Rapids Gold. Fast forward to midseason, and he’s not just hanging around - he’s become a real piece of the Nuggets’ rotation.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t supposed to happen. Jones went undrafted and entered training camp with modest expectations.
But he played his way onto the roster with a mix of defensive grit, smart positioning, and just enough offensive polish to make the coaching staff take notice. As injuries thinned Denver’s depth chart, Jones didn’t just fill in - he stepped up.
Now, 36 games in - with 25 starts and over 22 minutes a night - he’s proven he belongs.
The problem? That two-way contract comes with a hard cap: 50 games.
After that, he’s ineligible to play unless the Nuggets convert his deal to a standard NBA contract. And given how important he’s become to Denver’s rotation, that’s not just a formality - it’s a necessity.
Nuggets Plan to Lock Him In
According to league sources, Denver intends to do just that. The plan is to convert Jones’ deal to a standard NBA contract, ensuring he remains playoff-eligible and firmly in the mix for the rest of the season. It’s a move that makes all the sense in the world - Jones has earned it, plain and simple.
But there’s a wrinkle here. The Nuggets are currently $402,000 over the luxury tax line.
That’s not a massive number in NBA terms, but it’s enough to make ownership pause, especially when it comes to adding guaranteed salary. Even with an open roster spot, making Jones’ deal permanent may require some roster maneuvering.
That likely means a cost-cutting move is coming. Names like Zeke Nnaji, Hunter Tyson, and Julian Strawther could be on the chopping block, not necessarily because of performance, but because of the financial math. It’s a tough reality, but one that underscores just how valuable Jones has become - and how committed the Nuggets need to be to keeping him around.
Why It Matters
Jones isn’t just a feel-good story - he’s a key part of a contending team’s present and future. His defensive instincts, ability to guard multiple positions, and willingness to do the dirty work have made him a perfect fit alongside the Nuggets’ core. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, and he plays with a maturity that belies his experience.
For a team built around Nikola Jokić, that kind of low-usage, high-impact player is gold. And for a franchise looking to extend its championship window without breaking the bank, Jones represents exactly the kind of value contract that can keep the machine humming. Locking him into a multi-year, team-friendly deal isn’t just smart - it’s essential.
Denver’s front office has done a solid job finding contributors on the margins, and Jones is shaping up to be one of their best finds yet. Now it’s time to make it official. The Nuggets have a title to chase, and Spencer Jones looks like someone who can help them get there - not just this year, but for seasons to come.