The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in the race for Peyton Watson, and their interest in potentially landing the talented wing is said to be serious.
ESPN reporter and insider Dave McMenamin dropped this revelation on NBA Today regarding the Cavs' current stance on the Watson sweepstakes.
"They made the Eastern Conference Finals last year. They’re one of the final four teams standing. They haven’t done much to adjust their roster, though, since they lost Dean Wade. Obviously, they missed out on LeBron. We all are aware of that. I’m told, though, that they are a 'serious' candidate to land Peyton Watson," McMenamin said.
"There are other teams that have interest in Watson as well, but they are a serious candidate."
Cavaliers serious in pursuing Peyton Watson
After losing Keon Ellis and Dean Wade and failing to secure a second reunion with LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers are still on the lookout to make significant new additions since signing the returning Mario Hezonja.
They are now a team to watch for young forwards, specifically Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson, in the recent development of the offseason.
Watson remains stuck and has yet to find a final resolution as a restricted free agent, where the Denver Nuggets are still mulling over whether they will retain him or execute a sign-and-trade deal.
In the 2025-26 season, Watson had a breakout campaign by averaging a career-high 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just 54 games.
In their continued efforts to seize Watson in free agency, the Cavs are reportedly exploring multiple trade avenues around Dennis Schroder to create financial flexibility.