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Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It seems that former Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. is trying to persuade Peyton Watson to join him with his current team, the Brooklyn Nets.
While there have been a bunch of major moves made so far this summer, like Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Miami Heat and Walker Kessler signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, there are still some impact players available. Although much of the focus is on LeBron James’ free agent decision, the Nuggets veteran is one of the most coveted talents still on the free agent market.
The two teams most linked to Watson have been the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks. However, there have also been rumblings about the Nets having interest in the 23-year-old swingman. Well, Porter Jr. revealed this week that he has made a personal effort to have his former Nuggets teammate join him in New York.
“He’s about to sign for $130 million. I’m trying to get him in Brooklyn, though.”
– Michael Porter Jr. (Fanatics Fest)
Why the Brooklyn Nets are a real threat to sign Peyton Watson away from the Denver Nuggets
Over the last few seasons, the Nets aimed to rebuild their team via the draft instead of trading for or signing stars from other teams. However, that strategy has not gone well thus far. It is probably why they made an unexpected trade this offseason for three-time All-Star Julius Randle.
The grouping of Randle, Porter Jr., and first-round pick Mikel Brown is giving the organization hope they can contend for a playoff spot in 2026-27. Adding Watson, a player who posted 14.6 points, 4.9 boards, and 2.1 assists a night last season, would be great. Especially since he slots in perfectly into their starting five.
Furthermore, they are among the teams that still have some salary cap flexibility to make a good offer, especially if they can offload a contract. The Nets would give Watson the chance for a lot of minutes on a team with upside.
However, of the various suitors, the Clippers feel like the favorite right now. He would get a similar opportunity as BK with LA, but it would also give the native of Beverly Hills the chance to return home. The fact that he hasn’t signed a deal yet suggests he is waiting for the Clippers to finalize an agreed-upon trade that sends Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors so they officially have the space to give him an offer.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos