In the summer, the Denver Nuggets are hoping and praying that Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones return to the team following restricted free agency. Both guys had a crucial role on the Nuggets last season, and because they are fairly young (25 and under), Watson and Jones fit right into the organization’s plans for the future.
However, the Oklahoma City Thunder just sent out a two-year, $12 million offer to Jones. This is bad news for the Nuggets, as if they match and keep him, they would be over the second apron and would still have Watson waiting for the lucrative contract he heavily desires.
JUST IN: Restricted free agent forward Spencer Jones has agreed to a two-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Oklahoma City Thunder, league sources told @hoopshype. The Denver Nuggets will have an opportunity to match the offer sheet. pic.twitter.com/5ORNQ4JGQg
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 25, 2026
This is excellent news for the Clippers regarding their pursuit of the 23-year-old breakout wing.
And, due to the rules of restricted free agency, fans won’t even have to wait that long. By 11:59 P.M. EST Sunday, Clipper Nation will find out what the Nuggets are going to do in the complicated situation they’re in.
The Nuggets would not be smart to let Peyton Watson walk away
Although Spencer Jones doesn’t have a ton of experience under his belt, he’s worked his way up in the Denver Nuggets’ rotation and played serious minutes last season, which helped the team tremendously in the Western Conference.
For context, in the regular season, Jones averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds, shooting 50.4% from the field and 39.6% from beyond the arc.
In the playoffs, he enhanced his value much further by logging 6.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across six games, shooting 68.4% from the field and 69.2% from beyond the arc. Those efficiencies are absolutely insane.
As a result, the Nuggets’ front office has to match the offer sheet the Oklahoma City Thunder sent out to Jones. It’s worth just $6 million annually, which is nothing when taking into account everything the six-foot-seven forward brings to the table.
Doing so is, of course, exactly what the LA Clippers want out of the current circumstances the Nuggets have in front of them, as LA would not have to worry anywhere near as much about them in the race for Watson.
That said, the wait begins. At the moment, everything is looking amazing for the Clippers, and it’s all thanks to the Thunder’s organization and their decision to send a dollar amount Jones’ way, knowing the Nuggets cannot necessarily afford it without putting themselves above the second apron.
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