It is widely believed that the Nuggets will lose Peyton Watson once the young forward hits restricted free agency next year.
The Denver Nuggets are significantly projected to lose a pivotal standout once this season ends.
Peyton Watson
Peyton Watson
Peyton Watson
MIN: 26.2
PTS: 10.52 (54.98%)
REB: 4.8
As: 1.6
ST: 0.88
BL: 1.12
TO: 1.24
GM: 25
Bennett Durando of The Denver Post reported that several league sources see the Nuggets failing to retain Peyton Watson in next year's free agency amid the forward's promising 2025-26 campaign so far.
"Watson and the Nuggets did not agree to a contract extension before the season, which would’ve tagged him with the same poison-pill provision as Braun. Instead, he’s now performing well in a contract year, and league sources believe it’s increasingly unlikely that he’ll be in Denver’s price range next summer when he’s a restricted free agent," Durando wrote.
As noted by Durando, both Denver and Watson failed to reach a rookie-scale contract extension, which will make the 23-year-old a restricted free agent.
The Nuggets can still match whatever offer Watson may get from other teams. But considering the potential luxury tax implications, the ball club will have to make tough decisions to be able to retain him.
Financially, the Nuggets leadership has to shoulder increased penalties to re-sign Watson.
Watson is set to obtain interest as an emerging wing presence. Currently averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this season, his defense will definitely draw attention from other rival teams.
Right now, the Nuggets can only maximize the rise of Watson as they aim to win another title with Nikola Jokic leading the way.
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