The Denver Nuggets plan to convert Spencer Jones’ two-way contract into a standard deal for the remainder of the season, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Jones’ promotion to the 15-man roster had long been expected before he reached his 50-game active limit earlier this month.
With injuries affecting much of Denver’s core this season, Jones has become a key rotation contributor, starting 34 games and averaging 23.6 minutes per night.
The second-year small forward has averaged 6.0 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 50.5% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range.
Beyond the numbers, he has provided dependable and versatile wing defense for a team with championship ambitions.
Jones suffered a concussion on February 4 and missed the final three games before the All-Star break, which contributed to the delay in his promotion.
The Nuggets also likely explored the possibility of signing the 24-year-old to a multiyear contract.
However, as Bobby Marks of ESPN noted, Denver had limited flexibility below the luxury tax line, just $1.8MM, making it difficult to structure a longer-term deal.
Instead, the team is expected to convert Jones’ contract into a rest-of-season minimum deal, setting him up for restricted free agency this summer.
As Charania notes, if Jones makes seven more starts, he will meet the “starter criteria” for restricted free agents and become eligible for a $5.9MM qualifying offer, potentially complicating Denver’s offseason decisions.
The Nuggets currently have two open roster spots, meaning one will remain available after Jones is promoted, along with an open two-way slot.
