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The Denver Nuggets and Peyton Watson remain far apart on a new contract. The 23-year-old is seeking a significant payday, but the Nuggets simply do not have the financial flexibility to meet his demands.
Denver is in salary cap trouble and has struggled to put together a competitive offer for Watson. Their latest proposal reportedly averages about $14 million annually.
“The Nuggets have offered Watson, a restricted free agent, $70 million over five seasons, according to league sources who spoke to The Athletic on condition of anonymity because the deal is not final,” The Athletic’s Tony Jones wrote.
That offer is well below what Watson and his camp are reportedly seeking. The Nuggets are simply unable to meet his asking price, as Watson is looking for an annual salary in the $28 million range.
“Peyton Watson and his camp want something in that $28 million north range and the offers so far have been fluctuating between that $20-24 million per year range… When you’re Peyton Watson, you want more than Christian Braun,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote.
With Denver nowhere close to meeting Watson's demands, either he will have to accept less money or a sign-and-trade will become the most likely outcome. The Cleveland Cavaliers have now entered the picture after expressing interest in the young NBA champion.
“Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have recently called to express interest in a sign-and-trade for Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson, league sources told HoopsHype,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto wrote.
The Cavaliers have spent much of the offseason pursuing Jonathan Kuminga, but it appears they may be growing frustrated with the lengthy negotiations. Watson offers tremendous upside on both ends of the floor and could thrive in a system alongside James Harden.
Watson has earned $11 million throughout his young NBA career. His defensive versatility is especially appealing for a Cavaliers team that wants to establish its identity on that end of the floor. Cleveland now appears to be shifting its focus away from Kuminga and putting its full attention on acquiring Watson.
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