The situation with Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer has little development. However, NBA insider Marc Stein has revealed the value of the offers Watson is getting.
"I've consistently heard the offers are in the $16-18 million range in terms of annual average value," Stein revealed in an appearance on the DNVR Nuggets Podcast.
"You can understand if you're in Peyton Watson's shoes, you wouldn't want that, you would want more, but the uncomfortable reality of restricted free agency is it's incumbent on the restricted free agent to go out and generate more and you guys see the same marketplace I do. How is he going to do that?"
Despite the disagreements on the contract value the Nuggets would like to keep their homegrown player.
Peyton Watson
Peyton Watson
How Nuggets could still keep Peyton Watson
The Denver Nuggets’ financial situation has made Peyton Watson’s future uncertain, but retaining the restricted free agent remains possible.
Denver can match any offer sheet Watson signs. The bigger issue is the cost, as the Nuggets are already above the second apron and a major new contract would create a massive luxury-tax bill.
One possible solution would be to re-sign Watson and later clear salary through a trade. Moving Cam Johnson’s expiring contract would be the most direct path, while Christian Braun or Aaron Gordon could also become options if Denver views Watson as part of its long-term core.
Such a decision would be painful, but Watson’s defensive versatility, improved shooting, and growing offensive role make him difficult to replace. Denver could therefore keep him now and address its financial problem with a separate move later.