Denver Nuggets Sign Iowa State Standout Curtis Jones to Two-Way Deal
The Denver Nuggets continue tinkering with their roster ahead of training camp, securing former Iowa State standout Curtis Jones on a two-way contract, as first reported by ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania. The move comes after the 22-year-old guard went undrafted in last month’s NBA Draft but turned heads with his impressive Summer League performance in Las Vegas.
From Undrafted to NBA Opportunity
Jones, who declared for the draft after three seasons with the Cyclones, wasn’t among the 58 players selected on draft night. However, the Nuggets quickly moved to sign the 6’4″ combo guard on June 27, seeing potential in his well-rounded skill set. His Summer League audition only reinforced Denver’s interest—over five games in Vegas, Jones averaged 15.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 44% from the field and 36% from three-point range.
“His ability to impact the game on both ends really stood out,” Nuggets Summer League coach John Beckett noted. “Curtis has the length to defend multiple positions and the basketball IQ to make plays within our system.”
Two-Way Contract Structure
The two-way deal provides flexibility for both player and team:
- Salary Breakdown: Jones will earn half of the NBA’s rookie minimum salary, which is set at $636,435 for the 2025-26 season. His compensation will be prorated based on his time spent with the NBA roster.
- Roster Logistics: As a two-way player, Jones can be active for up to 50 of Denver’s 82 regular-season games. He’ll spend remaining time developing with the Grand Rapids Gold, Denver’s G League affiliate.
- Playoff Restrictions: Two-way players are ineligible for postseason rosters, meaning Jones wouldn’t be available if Denver makes another championship run.
Scouting Report: What Jones Brings to Denver
The Houston native developed into a key contributor at Iowa State, known for his:
- Defensive Versatility: With a 6’8″ wingspan, Jones can guard 1 through 3 and averaged 1.7 steals as a junior.
- Improved Shooting: After hitting just 29% from deep as a sophomore, he jumped to 38% last season on 4.1 attempts per game.
- Secondary Playmaking: His 3.8 Summer League assists per game showcased an underrated ability to facilitate.
Nuggets’ Roster Strategy
Denver currently has 14 standard contracts, leaving one open spot. By signing Jones to a two-way deal (joining second-year forward Zeke Nnaji), the Nuggets maintain flexibility while adding backcourt depth behind Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
“Two-way guys are so valuable now,” GM Calvin Booth told media last week. “You want high-upside players who can develop in your system but also step in if needed.”
Jones will compete for minutes in a crowded guard rotation that includes recent draft picks and veteran minimum signings. His G League time will be crucial—Grand Rapids’ schedule includes 50 games plus the Showcase Cup.
Historical Context
The Nuggets have had success with two-way players recently:
- 2024: F Vlatko Čančar earned a standard deal after two seasons on two-way
- 2023: G Bones Hyland developed into a rotation piece before being traded
What’s Next for Jones?
The guard will participate in Denver’s September training camp in San Diego before the team determines his initial assignment. With the NBA’s new “up/down” rules, he could see more frequent call-ups than two-way players in prior seasons.
For Jones, it’s a chance to prove he belongs. “I just want to show I can contribute at this level,” he said after a Summer League win. “Defense, shooting, whatever they need—I’ll be ready.”