Looking back on the Atlanta Hawks' 2025-26 roster, there were some obvious holes that ended up handicapping them in their pursuit of a deep postseason run.
Luckily for Hawks fans, they have a lead decision-maker who understands exactly what it takes to build a winner, and he's got his organization on the right path. It's been a thrilling summer of movement so far, and if recent reports are any indicator, they won't be slowing down.
In a recent report from ESPN's Shams Charania regarding the Denver Nuggets matching the Spencer Jones contract offer sheet from the Oklahoma City Thunder, he made sure to conclude with a fascinating indication:
"Next Denver order of business: Navigate retaining RFA Peyton Watson while the Hawks , Bucks and Clippers pursue him."
Hawks want to leave no doubt in their wing room following early exit
That was, indeed, one of their biggest weaknesses last season. The year-two regression of Zaccharie Risacher, combined with disappointing campaigns from Corey Kispert and the far-too-late addition of Jonathan Kuminga, limited them in the most important aspect of building a contending roster: depth.
While they didn't address this specific wing weakness in the draft - landing on a point guard and two centers - they answered their problem big-time in the trade market and free agency.
Just before draft day, they acquired Aaron Wiggins from the Thunder. Several weeks after, they remained in negotiations with the same organization, stealing their defensive ace, Lu Dort.
Getting two important wing answers from the same squad is a direct result of effective negotiation tactics and leverage acquired by President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh.
If they were to somehow acquire the highly-touted Peyton Watson from the Nuggets, however, they would be looking to reach a whole new level of depth, and more importantly, optionality.
Watson would bring everything they're lacking, but would come at a cost
Being able to bring in a quality young weapon never comes without sacrifice. Especially in the modern NBA, where committing long-term money to anyone is a risk - even a franchise player.
Watson is no star, but his year-by-year growth has been a bright spot for Denver over the last few seasons. In his 2025-26 campaign, he finally broke out. But there's reason to believe he can break out once more in a new situation.
It's why he and his camp have been looking for a hefty financial commitment.
There would be definite pros and cons that would come with locking in Watson to a multi-year deal worth at least $20 million annually, but the former would likely outweigh the latter. He still has plenty of untapped potential as a long-term two-way starting forward.
Atlanta would only be able to acquire him via sign-and-trade, too. It's not like they have a shortage of assets, though. Leverage.
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