How Thunder GM brilliantly hampered Nuggets with Spencer Jones offer sheet

[ASFN Admin]

As usual, Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti is out here playing chess, not checkers with his transactions.

He's made moves to keep the Thunder out of second apron hell, and then he went and gave an offer sheet to small forward Spencer Jones, who played a key role for the Denver Nuggets in his second season. The Nuggets ended up matching the Jones offer... but in doing so, it was Denver that landed in the second apron. Right now, they're the only team to do so.

What does that mean? They've got a huge tax bill for a reported $68 million and will have restrictions on their moves unless they move some salaries around. And on top of that, restricted free agent Peyton Watson hasn't signed anywhere yet.

So, to recap: Presti forced the Nuggets' hand, putting a Western Conference team into salary cap hell and would have added a solid role player if Denver didn't match. Like I said: Chess, not checkers. And everyone noticed.

Fans praised Sam Presti for his Spencer Jones move​

Sam Presti is running absolute circles around every other team in the NBA. He has handcuffed the Nuggets who either find a sign and trade team for Pwat, let Jones go, or realize we have to pay both… in only 48 hours. Just brutal. https://t.co/UbV8UckCZz

— Jokic Burner (@MikesMajorTakes) July 25, 2026

Sam Presti is running absolute circles around every other team in the NBA. He has handcuffed the Nuggets who either find a sign and trade team for Pwat, let Jones go, or realize we have to pay both… in only 48 hours. Just brutal. https://t.co/UbV8UckCZz

— Jokic Burner (@MikesMajorTakes) July 25, 2026

Sam Presti playing 5D chess.

OKC never actually wanted Spencer Jones. pic.twitter.com/g57YqCog1E

— Ratioed Sports (@RatioedSports) July 27, 2026

Brilliant, as always.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: How Thunder GM brilliantly hampered Nuggets with Spencer Jones offer sheet

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