The Denver Nuggets made a subtle but strategic move ahead of the trade deadline, shipping forward Hunter Tyson to the Brooklyn Nets. The deal, which also included a 2032 second-round pick, helps Denver accomplish two key goals: trimming salary to slide under the luxury tax and freeing up a roster spot. In return, the Nuggets will receive the less favorable of the LA Clippers’ or Atlanta Hawks’ second-round picks in the upcoming draft.
On the surface, this might look like a simple financial maneuver - and yes, the luxury tax implications are real - but there’s more to this than just dollars and cents. By opening up that roster spot, Denver cleared the way to convert Spencer Jones’ two-way contract into a standard NBA deal, a move that speaks volumes about the team’s belief in the young forward.
Jones, who went undrafted in 2024, has quietly carved out a meaningful role in Michael Malone’s rotation. After a rookie season where he saw limited action, he’s taken a noticeable leap this year.
Through 46 games - including 34 starts - Jones has averaged 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds in just over 23 minutes per game. That’s solid production from a guy who started the season on a two-way contract.
But what really jumps off the page are his shooting numbers. Jones is hitting 50.5% from the field and an impressive 41.4% from beyond the arc.
Those are elite marks for a player in his role, and they’re part of the reason Denver felt compelled to lock him in before he hit the 50-game limit for two-way players. With just a few games left before reaching that cap, the Nuggets acted decisively.
This isn’t just a feel-good story about a young player earning his spot - it’s a calculated move by a contender looking to solidify its depth heading into the stretch run. Denver currently sits third in the Western Conference at 33-19, and while their core is still led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, it’s the contributions from guys like Jones that can tip the balance in tight playoff matchups.
Trading Tyson, a second-round pick in 2023, may not move the needle in the headlines, but it’s a classic example of a front office playing the long game. The Nuggets didn’t just shed salary - they optimized their roster and rewarded a player who’s earned his stripes. As the postseason picture starts to take shape, don’t be surprised if Spencer Jones ends up playing meaningful minutes when it matters most.