Restricted free agency ruined Nuggets’ Spencer Jones’ international vacation — twice, tell me about this news today

During the Denver Nuggets’ media day, forward Spencer Jones shared a lighthearted story about how the NBA’s restricted free agency process repeatedly interrupted his summer vacation in Colombia.

As a restricted free agent, Jones went on a trip to Colombia with friends while awaiting contract resolution. The Oklahoma City Thunder extended him a two-year, $12 million offer sheet. Because signing an offer sheet requires a mandatory team physical, Jones had to leave Colombia to complete the medical evaluation with the Thunder.

After Jones signed the sheet, the Nuggets exercised their right to match the offer within the 48-hour window to retain him. Jones returned to his vacation, unaware that league rules required him to undergo a second physical with Denver once they matched the terms. Consequently, he had to leave his trip a second time to complete the paperwork and medical checks in Denver.

Despite the logistical headache, Jones joked about the situation, noting, “It kind of ruined my trip, but I’ll ruin my trip for $12 million”.