The Bucks hesitate to pay this price to the Nuggets for Peyton Watson
The Nuggets are listening to offers for Watson and are looking for a package that includes first-round picks, young talents, or a combination of both.
Milwaukee Bucks has become one of the teams actively considering the possibility of acquiring Peyton Watson, but the operation faces a significant problem: the franchise is not willing, at least for now, to give up a first-round Draft pick to secure the young forward from Denver Nuggets. Milwaukee's stance could complicate negotiations as Denver holds clear demands.
The Nuggets are entertaining offers for Watson and are looking for a package that includes first-round picks, young talents, or a combination of both profiles. Denver values the player highly and, therefore, seems reluctant to part ways with him for lesser compensation. However, Milwaukee is hesitant about paying that price, especially after significant moves made over the summer.
| Data | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Peyton Watson |
| Team | Denver Nuggets |
| Position | Forward |
| Age | 23 years old |
| Averages 2025-26 | 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks |
| Interested Teams | Bucks, Hawks, Cavaliers, and Clippers |
| Main Hurdle for Milwaukee | Unwillingness to include a first-round pick |
| Denver's Demands | First-round picks, young talents, or a combination of both |
| Potential Player Included by Milwaukee | Jaime Jáquez |
| Alternative | Denver could renew with Watson |
Denver aims to maximize Watson's value
Denver's stance is understandable given Watson's profile. The 23-year-old has become one of the franchise's best recent draft picks, offering a unique skill set in the NBA: youth, athleticism, defense, and room for growth.
During the 2025-26 season, Watson averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 54 games. His progression has attracted the interest of several franchises seeking to add young talent to their rotation.
Therefore, Denver has two paths ahead. They can negotiate a trade if presented with an enticing offer or keep Watson while pursuing his contract renewal. The Nuggets have already offered a five-year, $70 million deal in restricted free agency, but the franchise's financial situation complicates the operation.
For this reason, a trade could potentially be a solution for Denver. However, the Nuggets are not pressured to offload Watson. If multiple teams are interested, the franchise can afford to wait for an improved offer.
Bucks reluctant to part with a first-round pick
For Milwaukee, the issue lies in the cost. The Bucks are actively engaged in talks for Watson, but there is a clear reluctance to include a first-round pick in the deal.
This denial might force the franchise to seek an alternative approach. If Milwaukee does not offer a Draft pick, they will need to compensate Denver with players who could be appealing to the Nuggets, thus bringing Jaime Jáquez into the spotlight.
Milwaukee acquired Jáquez earlier this summer in the trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. The forward could now be one of the assets used by the Bucks to persuade Denver to consider an agreement without a first-round pick.
The question remains about the value Jáquez holds for Milwaukee after his recent acquisition. The Bucks must decide whether to retain a young player for their project or use him as leverage to secure Watson.
And that decision is far from easy.
Watson fits Milwaukee's needs
The Bucks' interest makes sense from a sports perspective. Watson would bring youth and defensive ability to a roster undergoing significant transformation this summer.
His versatility in defending multiple positions and physical attributes could grant him a crucial role in a roster looking for new pillars following Antetokounmpo's departure. Additionally, his 23 years align with a strategy of building around players with growth potential.
The challenge, however, is that Milwaukee cannot afford any price.
A first-round pick represents a valuable asset for a franchise needing flexibility to continue reshaping its squad. Surrendering it for Watson would imply a long-term bet on the player and trust in his development to justify the cost.
Bucks not the sole suitors
Milwaukee is not alone in the race. Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers have also expressed interest in Watson, intensifying the pressure on the Bucks.
If Denver receives offers from various teams, they will have more leverage to demand a first-round pick or high-level young talent. Consequently, Milwaukee might find itself in a tough spot if they persist in refusing to include Draft picks.
The Bucks could try to sway the Nuggets with a mix of rotational players and other assets, but Denver seems adamant about receiving significant value in exchange for Watson.
At the same time, the Nuggets still have the option to retain the player. Renewal is not off the table, especially since Denver has indicated Watson's importance by offering a five-year contract.
Thus, the negotiation heavily relies on who is willing to pay the price that the Nuggets deem suitable.
For Milwaukee, the question is simple yet crucial: Does Peyton Watson merit a first-round pick? Presently, the Bucks seem to think otherwise. As long as they hold this position, they will need to explore alternative ways to meet Denver's demands if they genuinely aim to bring the forward to Milwaukee.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Bucks dudan en pagar este precio a los Nuggets por Peyton Watson
