Are the Denver Nuggets in danger of losing Peyton Watson?
Peyton Watson remains unsigned as the restricted free agent and the Denver Nuggets have yet to come to a contractual agreement.
Watson is reportedly seeking $25 to $30 million per season on his new deal.
The 23-year-old wing is coming off a breakout season where he averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three in 54 games.
His regular season was cut short as he was injured on April 1, which caused him to miss Denver's first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Without Watson's two-way play, expecially his defense, the Nuggets lost in six games.
A New Suitor For Watson?
Speaking on stream, Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr revealed he's trying to get Watson to Brooklyn.
“He boutta sign for $130 million. I’m tryna get him in Brooklyn, though," said MPJ.
The Nuggets traded Porter Jr to the Nets in the 2025 offseason in exchange for Cameron Johnson.
In his final season with Denver, Porter Jr averaged 18.2 points, seven rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 50% from the field and 39% from three.
As the top offensive option on a poor Nets team, MPJ averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 46% from the field and 36% from three.
Watson got a taste of what it would be like to be the top or first option on a team when Nikola Jokic was sidelined for a month.
During that time, Watson averaged 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game on 48% shooting from the field and 44% from three.
Is Brooklyn Realistic?
The Nets took on the contract of Julius Randle, which is $33 million this upcoming season, effectively using up their entire open cap space.
In doing that, they hindered themselves from making an outright offer to Watson and forcing Denver to match. A sign-and-trade could be worked out with Brooklyn, who does have some enticing young pieces that the Nuggets might want to acquire in order to build their depth around Jokic and Jamal Murray.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers are also reported suitors for Watson as well.
Watson might be sold on the idea of joining Brooklyn and reuniting with MPJ. The two played together during Watson's first three seasons before MPJ was traded last offseason.
Denver still holds the majority of the cards in this scenario as they can match any offer made to Watson.
