Nuggets Elevate Spencer Jones to Standard Contract
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The Denver Nuggets are upgrading forward Spencer Jones from a two-way agreement to a standard NBA contract for the remainder of the season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Jones, 24, had already appeared in the maximum 50 games allowed under a two-way deal. Injuries throughout Denver’s roster pushed the second-year wing into a significant role; he has started 34 contests and is logging 23.6 minutes per night. He is averaging 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 50.5% from the field and 41.4% from beyond the arc, earning praise for his versatile perimeter defense.
A concussion suffered on Feb. 4 sidelined Jones for the three games leading into the All-Star break, delaying his promotion. Denver also explored a multiyear agreement but had just $1.8 million of room below the luxury-tax threshold, limiting its ability to offer a first-year salary high enough to secure additional seasons.
Instead, the Nuggets will convert his contract to a rest-of-season minimum deal. Jones will enter restricted free agency this summer. If he starts seven more games, he will reach the 41-start benchmark that triggers the “starter criteria,” making him eligible for a $5.9 million qualifying offer.
Denver had two vacancies on its 15-man roster; Jones’ conversion fills one spot while opening a two-way slot.
Source: Hoops Rumors
