Nuggets match Jones offer sheet, tax bill jumps to $68M

Two-year, $12M deal puts Denver in the second apron

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 271 min read

#Nuggets match offer and increase luxury tax penalty from $36 to $68 million. The second apron penalty does not apply un Via @TroyRenck on X

What happened: Oklahoma City signed Spencer Jones to the offer sheet in restricted free agency. Denver exercised its matching right before the midnight Sunday deadline.

Why it matters: Keeping Jones adds $32 million in projected tax and makes Denver the NBA's only current second-apron team. The final tax bill is determined at season's end, leaving room to shed salary through in-season trades.

By the numbers: The contract averages $6 million per season; Denver's projected tax bill rises 88.9%.

What to watch: Watch whether Denver moves salary during the season to lower its tax bill and exit the second apron.

Sources

@TroyRenck 2026-07-27T04:32:24.766016+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

NBABreakingDenver NuggetsOklahoma City ThunderSpencer Jones

Follow NBA Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportNBA

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →