Aaron Gordon is happy for Peyton Watson despite the move from the Nuggets to the Cavaliers

Peyton Watson had a career season in the 2026-27 campaign, which helped him raise his stock ahead of the 2026 offseason. The Denver Nuggets would have loved to keep him around, but it seems they could not pay him the contract he wanted, so they pulled the trigger on a sign-and-trade.

Watson has landed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team with a ready-made spot for him in the starting lineup. Playing alongside Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen is good for Watson, and it seems his situation has made his former Nuggets teammates proud.

Aaron Gordon still appreciates Peyton Watson despite the move to Cleveland

Since he was drafted in 2022, Watson became a well-known rotational piece for the Nuggets. He worked his way from being the final pick of the first round in 2022 to becoming a regular starter for Denver in the 2025-26 season. 

He showcased his offensive upside and maintained his reputation as a defensive stopper, especially at the rim. With numbers of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, Watson showed that he was one of the most impactful players.

MORE: James Harden played a big role in recruiting Peyton Watson to the Cavaliers

As one of Watson's closest teammates and friends on the Nuggets, veteran forward Aaron Gordon is glad to see Watson succeed. It may not be in Denver anymore, but it seems that Gordon is okay with seeing one of his closest teammates leave for a new team and a bigger contract.

"That's my dog. It's deeper than basketball with Peyton and I. Our family members go to the same church. Peyton is like my brother. Happy for him, the situation that he's in. Obviously, we would have loved to have him. But it worked out the way that it should have, or it was supposed to," Gordon said about Watson while at a basketball camp.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how the move to Cleveland pans out for Watson. He is ready-made to shine in that position for the Cavaliers, as they have needed a standout small forward. Now, he will have to live up lofty expectations with the Cavaliers that wants to exceed the Eastern Conference Finals stage.

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• Peyton Watson's thoughts on matching up against a star like Anthony Edwards
• The Denver Nuggets apparently rushed Peyton Watson back from injury
• Cavs GM Koby Altman pens a heartfelt farewell for Max Strus after being part of the Peyton Watson trade
• Nikola Jokic's thoughts on the Nuggets losing Peyton Watson to the Cavaliers
• The trade grades for all the parties involved in the Peyton Watson deal