The Denver Nuggets came into the offseason with a big task in front of them: figure out what to do with Peyton Watson.

Watson had a breakout season, 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 stepped up his game, 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. 

He didn’t play in the playoffs due to a hamstring injury.

He was a restricted free agent at the end of the year and is looking to cash in on his strong season, reportedly seeking at least $25 million per year on his new deal. The Nuggets reportedly wouldn’t go past $18 million due to cap concerns.

In the end, the two sides couldn’t reach a deal, and Denver traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a first- and second-round pick.

Watson is only 24 years old and has shown growth in each of his first four seasons, culminating in this past year. He was one of their better point-of-attack defenders on a team where defense often seemed optional.

He could’ve continued to grow as a secondary creator behind Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, something Denver severely missed in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If Christian Braun doesn’t end up being worth the big contract he signed last offseason, letting Watson go to Cleveland is going to look like an even bigger mistake.

What if Watson’s hot month was just a fluke? Someone had to step up and score with Jokic out of the lineup, and Watson proved that he was capable of doing so, but if it wasn’t him, maybe it could’ve been Julian Strawther, who should get more opportunities this season.

Denver already made what is viewed as a mistake by giving Braun a five-year, $125 million contract after one good season, and probably had no desire to make that mistake again.

As great as Watson was, he actually wasn’t all that great with Jokic and Murray off the floor, registering a -5 net rating. Maybe he was just the beneficiary of those two players. Getting a first round pick, which could be used to acquire a player who better fits what Denver does as a lesser cost, might end up being a steal.