What happened: The fully guaranteed contract Denver first signed Jones after he went undrafted in 2024.
Why it matters: The match raises Denver's projected luxury-tax bill from about $36 million to $68 million. Salary-cutting trades could reduce that cost during the season.
By the numbers: Jones averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds across 64 games in 2025-26, making 37 starts. He shot 39.6% from 3-point range in the regular season and 69.2% in the playoffs.
What to watch: Denver's next roster moves will show whether it sheds salary to offset the larger tax bill.