The Denver Nuggets have surprised the basketball community by signing 23-year-old guard KJ Simpson, who was recently waived by the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month. This addition comes as the Nuggets seek to reinforce their roster during the current NBA season.
Simpson, now entering his second NBA season, has averaged 6.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game across 14 contests, with shooting percentages of 34.8% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arc.
Details on the Contract and Team Adjustments
Before a game against the LA Clippers, renowned NBA insider Shams Charania revealed that Denver plans to sign Simpson to a two-way contract, filling the slot vacated by Spencer Jones after his conversion to a standard NBA contract for the rest of the season. Jones, who started 34 of 46 games for the Nuggets, averaged 6 points per game with a 41.4% accuracy from three-point range.
Charania stated,
“The Denver Nuggets are converting two-way Spencer Jones to a standard NBA contract for the remainder of the season, sources tell ESPN. Jones will become a restricted free agent in June. He has started 34 of 46 games for the Nuggets, averaging 6 points and 41.4% shooting from 3.”
He also added,
“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.”
Fan and Analyst Reactions to Simpson’s Signing
The announcement was met with enthusiasm online, especially from followers of both Denver and Charlotte basketball. On the subreddit dedicated to Charlotte Hornets, it was noted,
“The Denver Nuggets are signing former Charlotte Hornets point guard KJ Simpson to a two-way contract, per @ShamsCharania. Simpson was the Hornets’ 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and played for both the Hornets and the Greensboro Swarm. He was waived on February 6, 2026.”
Jake Shapiro reflected on Simpson’s past achievements, saying,
“I never posted this but here’s KJ Simpson’s game-winner for the Colorado Buffaloes against Florida to win an NCAA Tournament game. One of the best moments I’ve covered from one of my favorite athletes I’ve covered. Welcome back to Colorado, KJ. Should be a great add!”
Social media outlet @DNVR_Nuggets expressed excitement with a brief message:
“KJ SIMPSON IS COMING HOME 😤.”
Analyst Ryan Blackburn highlighted the significance within the Nuggets’ roster, stating,
“Former CU Buff KJ Simpson. Another guard, joins Curtis Jones and Tamar Bates (currently recovering from surgery) as Nuggets third and final two-way contract.”
Simpson’s Career Background and Team Context
Selected 42nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft from Colorado, Simpson has displayed steady growth. His career NBA averages stand at 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game over 50 appearances, though his shooting percentages remain modest at 34.6% from the floor and 26.6% from three-point range.
The Nuggets currently hold the third seed in the Western Conference with a 35-20 record through 55 games but have been inconsistent recently, winning and losing evenly in their last ten matchups. Their next challenge is a road game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon.
Nuggets’ Prospects With New Addition Amidst Season Challenges
Coming off their 2023 NBA Championship victory over the Miami Heat, Denver’s expectations remain high despite a disappointing 2025 playoffs exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. If key players remain healthy, the Nuggets are regarded as strong contenders to return to the NBA Finals this season.
Adding Simpson to the roster may provide additional guard depth as the team navigates the remainder of the season, aiming to build momentum heading into the playoffs.
The Denver Nuggets are converting two-way Spencer Jones to a standard NBA contract for the remainder of the season, sources tell ESPN. Jones will become a restricted free agent in June. He has started 34 of 46 games for the Nuggets, averaging 6 points and 41.4% shooting from 3. pic.twitter.com/dSxQMnMGmV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 18, 2026
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
The Denver Nuggets are signing former Charlotte Hornets point guard KJ Simpson to a two-way contract, per @ShamsCharania.
Simpson was the Hornets' 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and played for both the Hornets and the Greensboro Swarm. He was waived on February 6, 2026. pic.twitter.com/Zf34Bw5TKz
— r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) February 19, 2026
I never posted this but here’s KJ Simpson’s game-winner for the Colorado Buffaloes against Florida to win an NCAA Tournament game. One of the best moments I’ve covered from one of my favorite athletes I’ve covered. Welcome back to Colorado, KJ. Should be a great add! pic.twitter.com/kEOKpvD1Zb
— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) February 19, 2026
KJ SIMPSON IS COMING HOME 😤 https://t.co/Hfeq7Y9Rk0 pic.twitter.com/gwTz0K5du3
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) February 19, 2026
Former CU Buff KJ Simpson.
Another guard, joins Curtis Jones and Tamar Bates (currently recovering from surgery) as Nuggets third and final two-way contract. https://t.co/Z8YMiRrokN
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) February 19, 2026
Wish Nikola a Happy Birthday 👇 pic.twitter.com/YaixzyWhjd
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 19, 2026
