The Denver Nuggets are making a smart roster move as the playoff race tightens. Sitting third in the Western Conference with a 35–20 record, Denver is focused on maintaining momentum after the All-Star break. To strengthen their guard rotation and improve depth for the second half of the season, the team has added a young backcourt option with upside.
Denver Nuggets Add Backcourt Depth With KJ Simpson Two-Way Deal
NBA insider Shams Charania reported the key update on X, confirming that Denver is bringing in the promising young guard KJ Simpson to fill an open two-way roster spot.
“The Nuggets are planning to sign former Charlotte Hornets guard KJ Simpson to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Simpson averaged 7.3 points and 21.3 minutes over 50 games in 1 ½ seasons in Charlotte. He takes Spencer Jones’ slot after Jones is converted to a standard deal.”
The Nuggets are planning to sign former Charlotte Hornets guard KJ Simpson to a two-way NBA deal, sources tell ESPN. Simpson averaged 7.3 points and 21.3 minutes over 50 games in 1 ½ seasons in Charlotte. He takes Spencer Jones’ slot after Jones is converted to a standard deal. https://t.co/X4ZUkcGzzA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 19, 2026
Charania was replying to his earlier report confirming that Denver converted Spencer Jones from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal for the remainder of the season. That move created flexibility and opened a roster slot for the Nuggets to add another rotational guard.
Jones has quietly been productive, starting 34 of 46 games while averaging six points and shooting an efficient 41.4% from three-point range. With his contract situation stabilized, the Nuggets quickly moved to reinforce depth behind their core rotation.
Simpson arrives as a low-risk, high-energy addition. The 23-year-old guard spent the past two seasons developing with the Hornets after a strong college career at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Known for his aggressive drives and defensive instincts, Simpson brings playmaking ability and perimeter pressure. These skills are valuable for the Nuggets as they prepare for postseason intensity.
In the 2025–26 season, Simpson has averaged six points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals in 15.9 minutes per game while shooting 34.8% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range. While the shooting numbers are still developing, his ability to attack the rim and create passing angles makes him a useful complementary piece.
His playstyle could also fit well alongside Denver’s offensive system built around Nikola Jokić. Simpson’s quick penetration and vision could translate into easy passes and transition opportunities when sharing the floor with the three-time MVP.
Depth has been a quiet concern for Denver this season due to occasional injuries and heavy minutes for their starters. Two-way contracts allow teams to manage those situations while maintaining roster flexibility. Simpson is expected to provide emergency guard minutes and additional ball-handling when needed.
The Nuggets are not making a headline-grabbing move, but it does seem strategic. With the Western Conference race tightening, small roster upgrades like this can become valuable over the long stretch toward the playoffs.
