Denver is feeling good about trading Peyton Watson.
Peyton Watson earned himself a contract extension this offseason with his play in 2025-26, but it didn’t come with the Denver Nuggets.
Watson had a breakout year, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three. When Nikola Jokic was injured for a month, Watson ascended, 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.
Entering restricted free agency, Watson was reportedly seeking $25 to $30 million annually. Due to some cap constraints and the threat of the second apron, Denver reportedly only went as high as $18 million annually.
In the end, the Nuggets traded Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from Cleveland and a 2032 second-round pick via the Sacramento Kings.
Watson signed a four-year, $88 million extension with the Cavaliers as part of the trade.
Is Denver Happy With The Pick?
According to the Denver Post, the Nuggets like that they managed to get a first-round pick out of the Cavaliers in the deal.
The report states, “The Nuggets walked away feeling elated by the draft pick they wrangled out of a tough situation.”
It’s also stated that the Nuggets preferred Cam Johnson’s expiring contract, Spencer Jones at $6 million per year, and an unprotected first-round pick over a long-term relationship with Watson.
Finally, the report notes that they intend to cash in the first-round pick as a trade piece before 2031.
Should They Be Happy?
They are still operating as a second apron team, which came about after they matched the offer sheet to Jones presented by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jones at a lower salary and having Cam Johnson on an expiring deal are still valuable assets, whether on the court or in trade talks. The first-round pick could also be a valuable asset if the right player is available and Denver is able to use it in trade talks.
The first-round pick and Johnson’s expiring deal could lead to a big trade for Denver if something comes along, but they may not have as much time as they think with Nikola Jokic’s future in question.
If the Nuggets are able to flip the first-round pick for a player that better suits the team and ensures Jokic remains part of the future, then it’s a worthwhile trade. If they get a player of similar value and have to trade Cameron Johnson as well in the process, it won’t look as good.
