James Harden explained why Peyton Watson was an obvious fit for Cleveland and how the Cavaliers prioritized improving the roster before his own deal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets on Aug. 19 in a five-team sign-and-trade. James Harden, who helped recruit him, did not have a contract of his own yet.
Harden agreed to a three-year, $97 million deal the next day. At Monday's media day at Rocket Arena, he traced both moves back to the start of the offseason.
Harden Says Watson Was a 'No-Brainer' for Cavaliers
Harden said he and Watson already had a relationship when Cleveland's chance at Watson came up.
"I think just even beginning of the offseason, not in a rush to sign a deal, wanting to better the team first. That was probably number one," Harden said. "And then figuring out what that looks like after."
"But when the opportunity came for us to have a chance at signing Peyton, which we have a relationship, I think it was a no-brainer," Harden continued. "He fits. He's young. He's athletic. He's gotten a lot better, and he has a long way to go. It just fits what we're trying to do. He's been in postseason runs with Denver, so he knows what that looks like, and so he just fits."
Watson's contract covers four years and $88 million, plus a player option and a trade kicker. Max Strus went to the LA Clippers as part of it, and the Nuggets picked up two future picks: Cleveland's unprotected 2031 first-rounder and Sacramento's 2032 second-rounder.
Watson Coming Off Career-Best Season
Watson put up 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game over 54 appearances last season. His shooting splits were 49.1% overall, 41.1% on 3-pointers, and 73.0% at the line.
He was the 30th pick of the 2022 draft and turned 24 this month. Across his four seasons in Denver, he averaged 8.7 points.
Watson did not play in Denver's 2026 playoffs because of a hamstring injury, according to Sports Illustrated's Cavaliers site.
Watson Sees Bigger Role in Cleveland
The Cavaliers introduced Watson on Sept. 17 at their training complex in Independence, Ohio. Watson said that day he thinks he can be a bigger threat from beyond the arc and that playing in a lineup with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen can improve his defense, Spectrum News reported.
Watson said Cleveland was not initially among the teams most commonly linked to him, but the interest became clear once the Cavaliers entered the picture.
"They weren't one of the first teams that was speculated to be interested or one of the first teams that kind of came into the fold, but as soon as they were, they were interested," Watson said, according to Spectrum News.
Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman said at the introduction that Watson would help the team win games and that he was excited about Watson's trajectory in Cleveland.
In a sit-down with Cavaliers sideline host Serena Winters, Watson said Donovan Mitchell had included him in nearly everything the star did for about a month. At his own session Monday, Mitchell said he crossed paths with Watson at the World Cup without knowing a trade was possible.
Dean Wade, who played for the Cavaliers last season, signed with the Philadelphia 76ers this summer.
Harden Helped Recruit Watson to Cleveland
Harden played an active role in recruiting Watson, Fear the Sword reported. Harden came to Cleveland in a deadline deal with the Clippers in February and is entering his 18th season.
Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson has yet to say who will start. Watson and Harden are both on the 21-player training camp roster heading to Spain this week.
Cleveland's preseason opens Oct. 8 against the Boston Celtics.
