Denver Nuggets guard Curtis Jones, a 24‑year‑old free agent, is reportedly on the Boston Celtics’ radar as Denver appears set to move on.
Why is Curtis Jones a target for the Celtics?
Jones spent the 2024‑25 season on a two‑way contract with Denver, splitting time between the NBA squad and the G League. In the G League he logged 30 games, averaging 20.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 38.0% from the floor and 34.3% from three‑point range. Those numbers caught the eye of Boston, who are reshaping their backcourt after swapping Jaylen Brown for Paul George. Coach Joe Mazzulla could use a versatile guard who can run the pick‑and‑roll and defend multiple positions.
How did Jones perform with the Nuggets?
On the Nuggets’ roster Jones appeared in 10 games, averaging 8.8 minutes per contest. He shot 40.7% and contributed 2.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per outing. While the sample size is small, his efficiency in limited minutes suggests he can adapt to a larger role. His college path—Indian Hills Community College, Buffalo, then Iowa State—shows a player accustomed to adjusting quickly.
What does Denver’s recent form say about their roster moves?
The Nuggets dropped a 110‑98 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 1, 2026, a game that highlighted defensive lapses in the paint. Their last five outings read 2W‑0D‑3L, with the most recent two results being defeats. That slump has prompted front office speculation about roster tweaks, and parting with a fringe two‑way player like Jones fits a broader strategy to tighten the bench.
What could happen next for Curtis Jones?
If Boston extends an offer, Jones would join a team fresh off a championship run and eager to blend veteran shooting with youthful playmaking. The Celtics have already added Paul George, so a guard who can space the floor and push the tempo would complement their new core. Denver, meanwhile, may look to fill the roster spot with a higher‑impact two‑way contract or a veteran presence to stabilize their recent dip.
And the story isn’t over. Agents, scouts, and the NBA’s free‑agency clock will keep the conversation alive until the July 1 deadline. Whether Jones lands in Boston or elsewhere, his next contract will be a litmus test for how both clubs address their immediate needs.