DENVER — The Denver Nuggets enter the All-Star break having gone 3-4 over their last seven games since Nikola Jokić’s return. They navigated one of the toughest stretches of their schedule—arguably the toughest—while missing key contributors, including Aaron Gordon (hamstring) and Spencer Jones (two-way ineligibility and concussion protocol). The Nuggets now plan to convert Spencer Jones to a standard NBA contract.

Nuggets To Make Key Spencer Jones Contract Decision During All-Star Break
Jones Nears Standard Deal
Jan 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Jones missed his third straight game when Denver faced Memphis in its final contest before the break. Head coach David Adelman explained that the concussion Jones sustained against New York has slowed ongoing contract negotiations.

“He’s still at the end of the concussion protocol. The negotiation that’s going on there obviously is being slow played because of the concussion,” Adelman said postgame. “I’ve been updated by Ben [Tenzer] and Jon [Wallace], but it’s slow moving right now. The concussion situation is real. We’ll probably have more information after the break.”

Once Jones clears protocol, the Nuggets are expected to finalize a multi-year deal, most likely a three-year, during the All-Star hiatus.

Frontcourt Impact and Rotation Implications

Jones has emerged as one of Denver’s most reliable frontcourt contributors this season, particularly on the defensive end, stepping into a rotation battered by injuries. Through 46 games, he has averaged six points and three rebounds while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from three-point range.

Because he remains on a two-way contract, Jones cannot appear in another NBA game this season unless Denver converts his deal. A standard contract would immediately restore his eligibility and secure his place in the rotation for the remainder of the regular season and any potential postseason run.

Credit:© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images