The Oklahoma City Thunder just handed Spencer Jones a two-year, $12 million offer sheet. Now, the Denver Nuggets have the chance to match. However, Denver is just over $3.9 million under the second apron. Accepting the offer sheet would put them over, and they haven’t re-signed Peyton Watson yet. OKC just put the Nuggets in a spot where bringing Watson back is even more complicated.
Jones was a subtle breakout piece for the Nuggets last season. He played well. More importantly, he played real minutes. But with the Thunder’s roster cuts, they’re now looking to bring in some more bench talent. And it’s no coincidence that they offered Jones enough to force the Nuggets over the second apron.
Denver still needs to figure out the Watson situation, and now, they’re on a clock with Jones, too. And one end of that clock involves the Nuggets going over the second apron.
Thunder's Spencer Jones offer sheet puts Nuggets in bad Peyton Watson position
The Thunder made this offer sheet very specific. If the Nuggets don’t accept, OKC will still be under the second apron by less than a million dollars. If the Nuggets do accept, they’ll be over the second apron.
All the while, the Nuggets are still dealing with the Watson of it all. He’s still sitting in restricted free agency, waiting for an offer from the Nuggets or anyone else. (Or a sign-and-trade.)
Last year, Jones appeared in 64 games (37 starts) and played 22.1 minutes per contest. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 50.4% from the floor and 39.6% from deep on 2.3 three-point attempts per contest.
Jones was an impressive plug-and-play defender, and at 6-foot-7, he was able to guard multiple positions for the Nuggets. Bringing that onto the bench would be a win for the Thunder.
But the real intrigue surrounding this offer sheet is all about Watson and the CBA. The second apron. One team just barely staying under while trying to force another to dip over the line.
The Nuggets haven’t wanted to pay a ton of money for years now. They let pieces go after their 2023 NBA Championship run. They traded Michael Porter Jr. for a cheaper player.
Now, they are backed up against the wall with Watson in restricted free agency. And the Thunder have poured some salt in the wound with this Jones offer sheet.
OKC is playing Moneyball in the funniest way possible.
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