Peyton Watson is still the biggest unanswered question for the Denver Nuggets this offseason and while the clock is ticking for Denver to put together an offer for the forward that put himself on the map for the Nuggets this past season, it seems like one of their own contracts may be setting the market for Watson. 

According to a report from Marc Stein in his Substack The Stein Line, Watson may want more than what's already one of Denver's pricier contracts as far as role players go. 

“Watson, meanwhile, is said to be seeking a deal north of the $25 million in average annual value that Christian Braun secured from Denver in October. How feasible that is in this marketplace remains to be seen," (via The Stein Line). 

Braun's contract kicks in during the 2026-27 season, starting at $21.5 million before ramping up over the next four seasons after that to a value that eventually averages out to around $25 million per year over five years. 

That contract alone is already proving to be something that can make the Nuggets nervous considering Braun's injuries this season and his general lack of production as a result of those injuries relative to what he's going to be owned for the next half decade.

A potential deal for Watson has been speculated as high as $30 million annually and Stein positing that he wants at least something north of $25 million does seem in line with those speculations. 

Putting a potential offer for Watson in direct contrast with Braun's contract is interesting considering that it was injuries to the Nuggets' starting five that ultimately gave Watson the opportunity to prove himself to the point that he does warrant a contract of this level and possibly even a starting role next season, should Denver retain him.

In fact, it was mostly Braun that Watson was replacing, so him seeking a contract at last in the range of what Braun is due does make some sense and is a good benchmark for what the Nuggets, and other interested teams, should be offering. 

It's certainly a high price to pay for Watson, but the Nuggets haven't been shy about him being their top target this offseason and considering how quiet the Nuggets' offseason has been up to this point, keeping Watson in Colorado is not just a priority for the Nuggets at this point, but a necessity.