What happened: The two-year, $12 million deal keeps the restricted free-agent forward in Denver after Oklahoma City tendered the sheet. Shams Charania said Denver valued retaining a homegrown player signed after he went undrafted in 2024.
Why it matters: Denver is currently the NBA's only team in the second apron, narrowing its roster-building options under league spending rules. The added cost puts greater financial pressure on its remaining offseason business.
By the numbers: The contract averages $6 million annually; the resulting $32 million tax increase is 5.3 times that figure.
What to watch: Charania said Denver could shed salary through trades during the season.