NBA Notes: Nuggets, Spencer Jones, Thunder, Blazers, Scoot Henderson

Nuggets

The Nuggets would have preferred to lock up Spencer Jones on a team-friendly multiyear deal when they converted his two-way contract, but as Bennett Durando of The Denver Post detailed, Denver’s proximity to the tax line limited flexibility.

Jones opted for optionality instead. The 24-year-old forward accepted a straight conversion, earning the minimum for the rest of the season and setting himself up for restricted free agency this summer.

“I kind of wanted the optionality,” Jones said.

The move removes the 50-game restriction and playoff ineligibility that comes with a two-way deal. Denver may still want him long-term. Now the market will help decide.

Thunder

The Thunder were short-handed Wednesday — no Chet Holmgren, no Isaiah Hartenstein, among others — yet still pushed Detroit, as written by SI.com’s Ryan Stiles.

Jaylin Williams delivered a career-best 30 points and 11 rebounds, earning praise from coach Mark Daigneault, who called the performance “unreal.”

So, yeah, even in defeat, Oklahoma City walked away encouraged.

Trail Blazers

Injuries to Deni Avdija and possibly Shaedon Sharpe mean more responsibility for Scoot Henderson.

As Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report noted, Henderson has scored in double figures in eight straight games since returning from a hamstring tear. A strong finish could shape extension talks this summer.