Should the Denver Nuggets be worried about Peyton Watson?
Peyton Watson remains a restricted free agent as the standout wing, and the Denver Nuggets have yet to reach an agreement on a new contract.
Watson 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.
The 23-year-old was injured on April 1, which caused him to miss Denver's first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets lost in six games.
Watson is reportedly looking for $25 to $30 million on his new contract, which would put him in line with or above the contract signed by Christian Braun last offseason. He signed a five-year, $125 million contract that begins this season.
The Latest On Watson
Tony Jones of The Athletic reports that the Nuggets are confident they will retain Watson.
The Nuggets value Watson and "they feel they are in a good spot to retain his services and just need to let the restricted-free-agency process play out.”
Watson's camp, which is led by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, is reportedly in no rush to get a deal done, as its focus is on getting its client paid.
As a restricted free agent, the Nuggets can match any offer by another team to Watson. There has reportedly been interest from other teams in Watson, but thus far no offer sheet has been made.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Atlanta Hawks all reportedly have interest in Watson, and Michael Porter Jr has reportedly been recruiting Watson to the Brooklyn Nets. Watson and Porter Jr. were teammates for three seasons before Denver traded Porter Jr to Brooklyn in the 2025 offseason.
What's Next?
The waiting game continues.
There seems to be little to no movement between Denver and Watson's camp, and even though there is interest from other teams, no offer sheet has been made to force Denver into a decision.
Denver could work out a sign-and-trade, and while there have been talks of teams looking at that possibility, no deal has come to fruition.
Watson not only proved himself this past season, he really proved himself during the month when Nikola Jokic was sidelined, averaging 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 while also contributing on the defensive end of the floor.
Whether it's the Denver Nuggets or another team, Watson will eventually get paid.
