NBA Notes: Expansion, Pacers, Quenton Jackson, Nuggets, Tyus Jones

NBA Expansion

The NBA continues to inch toward expansion.

According to ESPN’s Ben Golliver, the league’s Board of Governors received presentations this week regarding potential franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas.

No vote was taken, but commissioner Adam Silver indicated the process is moving forward.

“We have a ways to go,” Silver said, adding he expects the league to have an answer one way or the other before the end of the year.

If expansion is approved, the new franchise — or franchises — would be expected to begin play in the fall of 2028.

Pacers

The Pacers are keeping Quenton Jackson around.

According to Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star, Indiana plans to fully guarantee Jackson’s $2.58 million salary for the upcoming season rather than waive him before Tuesday’s deadline.

Jackson earned a larger role last season as injuries mounted, averaging 9.1 points, 2.9 assists and 2.3 rebounds while making 19 starts.

The move leaves Indiana with 14 players on standard contracts and little financial flexibility as the franchise continues to operate above the luxury tax line.

Nuggets

Tyus Jones is officially returning to the Nuggets.

Denver finalized Jones’ previously reported one-year contract, giving coach David Adelman an experienced backup point guard behind Jamal Murray.

Jones split last season among the Magic, Mavericks and Nuggets before appearing in three playoff games for Denver.

While the 30-year-old struggled offensively a year ago, he’s long been regarded as one of the NBA’s steadiest reserve point guards and has led the league in assist-to-turnover ratio multiple times during his career.

The Nuggets are hoping a full season in Denver helps Jones regain that form.