DENVER — Forward Spencer Jones declined a below-market multiyear offer when the Nuggets converted his two-way deal earlier this month, opting instead for a straight conversion that pays the veteran minimum for the rest of the season. Because Denver is near the luxury-tax threshold, the club had limited room to sweeten a long-term proposal.
The 24-year-old will earn $623,967 through the end of the campaign, roughly matching the $636,435 he would have made on a full-season two-way pact. The new contract removes the 50-game limit and makes him playoff-eligible, while positioning him for restricted free agency in July.
“I kind of wanted the optionality,” Jones said. “I love Denver, but I just wanted to keep the optionality open.”
Thunder short-handed, Williams steps up
Oklahoma City played without six rotation players Wednesday — including centers Chet Holmgren (low back spasms) and Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus injury management) — yet forced the East-leading Pistons to work for an eight-point victory. Reserve big man Jaylin Williams delivered a career-best 30 points and 11 rebounds. Head coach Mark Daigneault called the performance “unreal” and also praised Kenrich Williams and Brooks Barnhizer, saying, “It’s a game we can feel really good about despite the loss.”
Anderson returning to Minnesota
The Timberwolves expect forward Kyle Anderson to rejoin the roster once he clears waivers. Anderson negotiated a buyout with Memphis and was waived earlier this week. Several Wolves, including Anthony Edwards, celebrated the pending reunion; Edwards was seen FaceTiming his former teammate on the way to Thursday’s game. Anderson spent two seasons in Minnesota from 2022-24.
Henderson drives Blazers’ playoff push
Portland is leaning heavily on rookie guard Scoot Henderson with leading scorer Deni Avdija battling a back issue and guard Shaedon Sharpe potentially out for the season. Since returning from a hamstring tear on Feb. 6, the No. 3 pick has scored in double figures in all eight appearances. A strong finish could boost his prospects in rookie-scale extension talks this summer as the Trail Blazers chase a postseason berth.
Source: HoopsRumors
