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A new rumor suggests the Los Angeles Clippers may be close to making a trade for rising young star Peyton Watson, and it will cost them a first-round pick.
The Clippers have been undergoing an unofficial rebuild this year. Before the trade deadline in February, they traded two of their top stars, James Harden and Ivica Zubac. Then, when they knew Kawhi Leonard wasn’t going to sign a team-friendly contract extension, they agreed to a trade that sent him back to the team they signed him away from in 2019, the Toronto Raptors.
That deal is currently on hold as the NBA continues an investigation into salary cap circumvention years ago by the Clippers and Leonard. However, most expect it to be completed, which means LA must find players to help fill the massive void left by Leonard’s departure. Well, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, that could happen soon.
“The Denver Nuggets remain in active trade talks with multiple teams on a potential Watson sign-and-trade, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers, sources told ESPN.”
What could a Peyton Watson trade cost the Los Angeles Clippers?
While he may not be a familiar name to many NBA fans, especially casual viewers, Watson is one of the better players available in NBA free agency. He has steadily improved over his first four seasons with the Nuggets and had a breakout year in 2025-26 as he posted 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in 29 minutes a night.
However, the 23-year-old is a restricted free agent, and Denver has been adamant for weeks that they would match any offer. But they are currently the only team over the second tax apron and have been unable to offload contracts to free up space to sign him. Meaning that they will have to pay an absurd amount in taxes to bring Watson back. So getting something instead of losing him for nothing in a sign-and-trade seems to be the new strategy for the team.
The Clippers will probably have to fork over a four-year deal worth around $90 million to bring the Beverly Hills native back to California starting next season. LA doesn’t have many worthwhile player assets to offer in a trade with the Leonard deal still in limbo. However, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Denver will accept a journeyman player like Derrick Jones Jr. if a first-round pick is attached in the deal. Something the Clippers will probably be amenable to.
What does this mean for the Los Angeles Clippers?
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Mar 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) after making a basket during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
While it will cost the Clippers a sizable amount of money and a first-round pick, Watson is a very intriguing addition for LA. The one-time UCLA star is only 23 and will surely be motivated by getting to return home in a lead role for a rebuilding team.
If he puts up similar numbers to last year, he can make an impact. However, there is reason to believe Watson can improve. Especially under the tutelage of head coach Tyron Lue. If he develops further, he has the talent to fill a lot of the statistical void left by Leonard’s exit.
If the trade with the Raptors is completed, a starting five featuring Watson, Brandon Ingram, first-round pick Keaton Wagler, and Darius Garland could be better than expected.