Fourth-year forward Peyton Watson has generated “significant” interest on the trade market ahead of his restricted free agency this summer, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. However, according to Scotto, the Nuggets have rebuffed those inquiries on Watson and hope to re-sign him to a new contract during the offseason.
Watson has taken on a larger role this season due to a series of injuries affecting key Denver players and has responded admirably. Since entering the starting lineup on a full-time basis two months ago, the 23-year-old has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 32.6 minutes per game with a shooting line of .523/.434/.741. He was named the NBA’s Player of the Week for the first time in his career on Monday.
Re-signing him won’t be simple, however. The Nuggets already have over $201MM in guaranteed money on their books for 2026/27, including nearly $186MM for their top five highest-paid players (Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun). Given Watson’s rising value, re-signing him could push Denver into second-apron territory if the team isn’t able to shed salary elsewhere.
Here’s more on the Nuggets:
- Echoing reporting from Marc Stein, Scotto cites league sources who say two-way standout Spencer Jones will eventually be promoted from his two-way contract to the Nuggets’ standard roster. Like Watson, Jones has made the most of an increased role due to Denver’s injuries. The 24-year-old wing has averaged 8.0 PPG and 3.9 RPG on .503/.381/.622 shooting while playing solid defense in 25 games as a starter.
- While it may not be an overly eventful trade deadline for the Nuggets, they’re expected to monitor both the trade and buyout markets in case an opportunity to add a veteran point guard pops up, league sources tell Scotto. The team is currently operating slightly over the luxury tax line and will want to keep a roster spot for Jones’ promotion, which could complicate those efforts to add backcourt help.
- While former Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth made his share of missteps during his time on the job, he was a “legit” talent evaluator, argues Troy Renck of The Denver Post (subscription required). Renck contends that former head coach Michael Malone seemed intent on proving to Booth that young players like Watson, Jalen Pickett, and Zeke Nnaji weren’t good enough, whereas head coach David Adelman has gotten the most out of them, especially since Jokic went down with a knee injury.
Pickett and Nnaji are both probably still playable and useful.
Nuggets are a threat. Big time.
Cameron Johnson, Nnaji, Pickett, Tyson and picks to Washington for Kris Middleton and Justin Champagnie
Middleton’s expiring contract and experience will help. Then Watson can be resigned.
Waive Bates(if he can be a PG than keep)and Curtis Jones, Promote Spencer Jones, sign Reggie Jackson, sign a young (22-23) years old PG and C on two way contracts. Jazian Gortman and J Aidoo. One two way slot open
Malone loved Watson, and had him in the core rotation for 2 years. The other two guys perhaps, but Pickett was younger and most 2nd round picks take some time, and I’m not sure he was wrong on Nnaji. I’m also not sure the underlying dispute was really between Booth and Malone, both being victims of cheapness and other issues coming from the top. Both guys are gone now, so ownership can come up with whatever narrative they like I guess.
Booth was an excellent talent evaluator, and I’m sure would have put together a better bench if he had more resources (like the ability to go into the luxury tax or trade MPJ). Booth got Braun late in the first round as well. Holmes got hurt last year, but I think he will eventually be another late first round guy who gets a significant second contract.
Easy for DEN, sign Watson in the summer and get rid of Cameron Johnson!