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The Denver Nuggets are matching the Oklahoma City Thunder's fully guaranteed two-year, $12 million offer sheet to Spencer Jones, retaining the key forward in restricted free agency, sources told ESPN on Sunday night.
Despite facing significant financial burdens, the Nuggets valued keeping their homegrown player, whom they signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
By matching Jones' sheet, the Nuggets' projected tax penalty will increase by $32 million -- nearly doubling from $36 million to $68 million -- and they will enter the second apron for the first time under the current collective bargaining agreement. They are deep in tax bills but could shed money via trades in the season.
The Nuggets are the only NBA team in the second apron.