Colorado's point guard from their most recent NCAA Tournament run is heading back to the state after signing a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets.
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
KJ Simpson played for the Buffs from 2021-2024, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors and helping the team reach the Round of 32 in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
He earned Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors during his first season, then jumped into a starting role as a sophomore and earned Second-Team All-Pac-12 recognition.
There were countless memorable moments during his junior and final season with the Buffaloes, like when he hit the game-winning jumper over No. 7 Florida in a thrilling March Madness game that advanced the Buffs to play Marquette.
Simpson averaged 19.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 43.4% from beyond the arc in his final season with Colorado.
Simpson was selected 42nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, who waived the guard recently on February 6th.
Simpson was one of three Colorado players—alongside Tristan da Silva and Cody Williams—selected in the 2024 NBA Draft under head coach Tad Boyle.
He averaged 6.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in limited minutes while battling through a hip injury this season.
Denver recently signed two-way forward Spencer Jones to a standard NBA contract, which freed up a two-way slot they used to acquire Simpson.
Simpson will give the Nuggets another backcourt option if injuries strike—which has been a constant theme for them this season.
Simpson is only 23 and still has plenty of time to refine his game, and learning behind All-Star Jamal Murray certainly doesn't hurt.