NBA Rumors: The Denver Nuggets' plan with Peyton Watson and the Bucks in between
The Milwaukee Bucks have shown interest in the young player, while the Colorado franchise seems to have another idea in mind
The situation of Peyton Watson has become one of the big stories still pending in the NBA market. With the Denver Nuggets approaching the second salary apron and its associated restrictions, the forward's future in the franchise remains unresolved.
As reported by journalist Marc Stein, the Milwaukee Bucks are the latest team to have shown interest in acquiring Watson through a sign-and-trade deal with Denver.
Clippers and Hawks Also Monitoring His Situation Closely
Milwaukee's interest adds to that of other teams that had already been linked to the player. Last week, journalist Jake Fischer reported that the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks were also interested in negotiating a sign-and-trade for Watson, who is seeking a contract worth at least 25 million dollars per season.
Fischer also noted that the Clippers have a particular interest in adding the forward. However, the Los Angeles franchise has not explored the sign-and-trade route too intensively as they consider Denver's current asking price to be too high.
Denver Keeping All Options Open
On July 5th, Sam Amick, a journalist from The Athletic, reported that the Nuggets' initial intention was to match any offer Watson received as a restricted free agent. However, he also stated that the franchise is "very open" to considering potential sign-and-trade deals.
The Bucks' interest comes shortly after the organization reached an agreement with Gary Trent Jr., who will sign a four-year, 64 million-dollar contract.
Additionally, Milwaukee is entering a new phase following the trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat.
Watson's Best Season Yet
Watson is coming off the best season of his NBA career. The 23-year-old forward played 54 games with the Nuggets and set new personal records with averages of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
He also shot 41.1% from three-point range, with an average of 3.6 attempts per game.
So far, Denver's only moves in free agency have been re-signing Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III with minimum-salary contracts. Without Watson under contract yet, the franchise currently has a margin of 8.9 million dollars relative to the second salary apron.
Another Option for the Player
Another possibility for Peyton Watson would be to accept the one-year qualifying offer as a restricted free agent, remain with the Nuggets for the 2026-27 season, and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
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