The Denver Nuggets were relatively quiet at the deadline, trading Hunter Tyson and a second-round pick to the Nets for a second-round pick. The move was more significant than it seemed, as not only did they duck the luxury tax, but it was followed by news that they'll convert Spencer Jones' two-way contract. His presence became even more important on Thursday, as Tony Jones of The Athletic reported that Peyton Watson suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
On Friday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Watson will be re-evaluated in four weeks, giving fans a timeline as to when he could return.
Breaking: Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson will be re-evaluated in 4 weeks with a left hamstring strain, league sources told @hoopshype. Watson is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 14.9 points (50% FG, 42% 3PT), 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals pic.twitter.com/iawcdXIBnc
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 6, 2026
Jones also left Wednesday's double-overtime loss to the Knicks after he collided with Karl-Anthony Towns. He's out with a concussion, but when he's cleared to return, he will be able to do so. The Nuggets haven't officially signed him to a standard deal yet, but one is coming.
Denver hasn't been able to catch a break with injuries this season, which is how Jones became not just a rotation player, but a starter. He's started 34 of the 46 games this season, averaging 6.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, shooting 50.5% from the field and 41.4% from three in 23.6 minutes per contest.
Spencer Jones just became even more important after Watson update
There is no way around it — losing Watson for a minimum of four weeks is a tough blow. It's like as soon as Denver gets one player back (in this case, Christian Braun), they lose another. On top of that, Aaron Gordon re-injured his hamstring on Jan. 23, and Cam Johnson is still out with a hyperextended knee and bone bruise.
Watson, whom the Nuggets didn't extend before last October's deadline, has proved his worth and then some this season. He's averaging a career-high 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game on 49.6/41.7/72.7 shooting splits.
Jones' emergence as a rising 3-and-D threat for Denver couldn't have come at a better time. It'd be nice to see him get up more three-point attempts (he averages 2.5 per game) now that Watson, who averages 3.7 per game, is out.
What Denver needs most from Jones right now, though, is for him to get healthy and stay that way. The Nuggets are limping their way to the All-Star break, which will, thankfully, give the whole team much-needed rest. Please, no more injuries until then (or after!). They've dealt with enough.