The Nuggets won't be alone in pursuing Watson.
The Denver Nuggets haven't been shy about the fact that Peyton Watson is their top priority in free agency this offseason after Watson had a breakout year for the team, rising to the occasion when several injuries put the Nuggets' typical starters out of commission at times.
Reports from around the league have indicated that Watson could yield a multiyear contract in the $30 million annual average value range and Denver has been gearing up to match any offer that Watson could receive to try and sway him away.
While the Nuggets have the benefit of Watson being a restricted free agent, meaning the have the right to match any offer he receives from prospective teams in order to keep him, they may have some stiff competition when it comes to holding on to Watson, as Marc Stein wrote in "The Stein Line" that at least three times are looking to get involved in the Watson sweepstakes.
Who Else Is Involved?
"The Lakers and Bulls are two teams that have been mentioned as potential Watson suitors going back to February's trade deadline," Stein wrote. "Sources with knowledge of the situation have this week added that the Clippers are also weighing whether to pursue Watson in the event that LA winds up making the roster moves necessary to operate as a cap-room team this summer.”
The Lakers have been connected to Watson throughout this offseason as they've made it a priority to build a championship contending roster while they still have the Slovenian star on their team and with new ownership taking over the Lakers, aggressively pursuing free agents like Watson could be a signal of a new era.
The Bulls are rebuilding their team and have already been active this offseason, involing themselves in a three-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire Nic Claxton.
After picking up Caleb Wilson with the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Chicago is quickly putting together a talented young core and signing Watson would be a nice addition to that growth.
The Clippers are the most intriguing team listed by Stein. They too are in the midst of an aggressive rebuild and Watson would fit the bill of adding another talented young player as well. They still have the option of trading Kawhi Leonard at some point this offseason, which would shed the salary that it would take for them to hit the desired range for Watson's future contract.
What Will the Nuggets Have To Do?
Both Los Angeles franchises have an added benefit to signing Watson as well. Watson is both a Los Angeles-area native and a UCLA product and staying close to home is another advantage that both the Lakers and Clippers have working for them.
With all of these factors in mind, the Nuggets will have to be prepared to make sacrifices and negotiate aggressively to keep Watson, both things they seem prepared to do.
