The Denver Nuggets are set to bring back former Colorado Buffaloes standout KJ Simpson by signing him to a two-way contract. This move fills the roster spot vacated by Spencer Jones, who recently transitioned to a standard NBA contract, according to multiple league sources cited by The Denver Post.
Simpson, a 23-year-old guard, was waived by the Charlotte Hornets shortly after the trade deadline. Drafted 42nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, he appeared in 50 games over two seasons with Charlotte, starting 17 and averaging 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
Adding Depth at the Guard Position
The Nuggets are bolstering their backcourt depth as they approach the critical final stretch of the regular season. Currently sitting third in the Western Conference, Denver faces a narrow lead of just three games over the seventh-place team after returning from the All-Star break. Simpson’s addition provides more ball-handling options, although he will not be eligible to participate in playoff games under his two-way contract terms.
Denver’s two-way roster now includes three guards: Simpson, along with rookies Curtis Jones and Tamar Bates. Two-way contracts allow players to split their time between the NBA and the G League. The Nuggets’ G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, has recently lacked key contributors, including Jones, Bates, and big man DaRon Holmes II, due to injuries and NBA assignments.
Simpson’s Collegiate Impact and NBA Journey
KJ Simpson made a significant mark during his three-year tenure at the University of Colorado. He played 98 games, earning First Team All-Pac-12 honors as a junior. His memorable moment came in the 2024 NCAA Tournament when he hit a game-winning shot against Florida, propelling Colorado to the second round. That year, the Buffaloes set a school record with 26 wins. Simpson was one of three Buffaloes players—together with Tristan da Silva and Cody Williams—drafted in 2024.
Nuggets’ Current Guard Rotation and Injury Concerns
Recently, Denver has relied on Jalen Pickett and Julian Strawther as complementary guards within the starting lineup to compensate for injuries. Tim Hardaway Jr. often comes off the bench to inject scoring energy, although he has also closed several games this season. The team’s depth at guard remains crucial as they navigate these challenges.
Spencer Jones’ Roster and Salary Implications
Spencer Jones, who has started 34 games for Denver this season, is approaching a milestone that could affect his future with the team. If he reaches 41 starts, he would meet the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s “starter criteria,” significantly increasing his qualifying offer to over $5 million.
Jones is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and faces a potential price tag that the Nuggets might struggle to accommodate given other upcoming salary commitments. Alongside Peyton Watson—also slated for restricted free agency—the team anticipates substantial salary raises for Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon based on recent contract extensions.
These financial pressures suggest the Nuggets will have limited flexibility for non-minimum salary players in their bottom roster slots. If Jones hits the starter threshold this season, he might become an unexpected casualty in Denver’s efforts to manage payroll and maintain roster balance.
With Simpson’s signing, the Nuggets reinforce their guard rotation at a critical juncture, while navigating an increasingly complex salary cap environment. The organization’s approach to balancing talent, depth, and financial constraints will play a key role as they push toward the postseason.
Read more at: www.denverpost.com
