Overview
- Denver tells reporters it intends to retain restricted free agent Peyton Watson and is ready to match any offer sheet for him.
- Insiders report the Nuggets are prepared to sign Watson to a contract in the roughly $28–30 million per season range if matching is required.
- To create the cap space needed for that commitment, Denver has already traded out of the first round of the draft and is exploring trades of rotation players such as Cam Johnson, Christian Braun and possibly Aaron Gordon.
- Multiple teams including the Lakers, Bulls and Clippers have shown interest in Watson, which raises the risk of offer sheets or sign‑and‑trade negotiations that Denver would have to respond to.
- Watson is a four‑year pro who averaged a career‑best 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 2025–26 but missed the end of the season and playoffs with a hamstring injury, a factor teams will weigh in offers and Denver’s decision making.