The Atlanta Hawks have been linked to Peyton Watson in sign-and-trade scenarios. It would be smarter to hang onto their assets.
It feels like the Atlanta Hawks have been linked to every trade candidate this summer. Once one big name gets moved, another finds their way into Hawks rumors.
First, Jaylen Brown was the most popular Hawks target. Once he became a Sixer, people pivoted to Trey Murphy III. That situation is still pending, but now, the rumors are swirling around another target: the Denver Nuggets' Peyton Watson.
It's a slightly different situation, since Watson is a restricted free agent rather than a traditional trade candidate, and any deal would need to come together as a sign-and-trade since the Nuggets can match any offer sheet he signs. Still, it's an intriguing proposition. Watson is a stout 3-and-D wing with potential to do more. Here's what he'd be worth to the Hawks.
Hawks Should Be Selective on the Trade Market
Well, there's another rumor surrounding Watson. It's been said that the Nuggets are looking for a return comparable to the one that the Jazz got this summer for Walker Kessler.
That would mean two first-round picks and two additional first-round pick swaps. Many fans felt it was a steep price to pay for Kessler.
It would be even more excessive for the Hawks to pay for Watson.
In 2025-26, Watson averaged 14.6 points per game while shooting 41.1% from deep. He's a strong defender as well. That's a good player. That said, Watson only has limited experience as a shot creator. He was more of a three-and-D wing for the Nuggets last year.
Some would suggest that that's a function of his role alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. That's possible. The problem is that without proof of concept, the Hawks would be investing in an idea. By that logic, that draft capital is a valuable asset that could be used for a more meaningful acquisition down the road.
It's not a price the Hawks should be paying for Watson.
Hawks Shouldn't Overpay for Watson
Watson was good last year. Arguably, Nickeil Alexander-Walker was better.
They're also comparable players. It would feel like a misallocation of resources to bring in a player who's only going to serve in a comparable role to Alexander-Walker. The Hawks also brought in another similar player this summer in Aaron Wiggins.
Simply put, it isn't worth it.
Now, suppose the Nuggets' rumored asking price is being exaggerated. If so, there could be a deal worth making. Guys who can shoot a large number of threes with strong accuracy are always worth rostering. They're also the types of players who can be stacked without overlapping.
So, it's not that Watson wouldn't be a sensible target. It's just a matter of the price. It's a bit difficult to imagine the Nuggets offering him up at a cost that would be worth the Hawks' time.
It's been said in these pages ad nauseum, but it bears repeating: The Hawks don't need to rush. They're in an excellent position. They were one of the hottest teams in the NBA after the All-Star break, and they're young. It would make more sense to hang onto assets than it would to spare any more than a lightly protected first for Watson, even if that won't stop the rumors.
