Cavaliers expected to part ways with Max Strus, Dennis Schroder for $11M 3-and-D NBA champion image
The Denver Nuggets have had a disappointing offseason as they find themselves in financial purgatory, a historic situation that is certainly not the good kind. Denver has been limited in its ability to add players, and that financial situation could ultimately lead to the loss of Peyton Watson for the same reason.
Watson is a 23-year-old wing coming off a breakout season. The Nuggets have only offered him a deal that falls roughly $10 million short of what he is seeking.
“The Nuggets' offer for Peyton Watson remains in the $16-18 million per year range, per The Stein Line. Denver and Watson's representatives, Klutch Sports, are dug in on their value. If Denver doesn't want to cooperate on a sign-and-trade, Watson could take the qualifying offer," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken notice of the situation between Watson and Denver. Since then, Cleveland has made the young wing one of its top priorities.
“The Cavaliers appear to be prioritizing Peyton Watson now over Jonathan Kuminga as their Plan B wing option after missing out on LeBron James," Sidery posted.
However, the Cavaliers will have to create some financial flexibility for a deal to happen. It appears Dennis Schröder and Max Strus could be the two players Cleveland looks to move elsewhere.
“The Cavaliers are actively trying to offload Max Strus and Dennis Schröder’s contracts elsewhere to make Peyton Watson a four-year offer via sign-and-trade, per The Stein Line. Cleveland is now viewed as the strong favorites to eventually acquire Watson from the Nuggets,” Sidery wrote.
This is huge news for Cleveland, as the Cavaliers know Watson would be a significant addition to their starting lineup. He would fill a major need on the wing, an area where Cleveland is still looking for more production and versatility.
Watson has made $11 million in his career so far. The Cavaliers would have a much more dynamic roster if they are able to land him, and it could be a major move for the future of the organization, especially if Watson continues to build on his breakout season.
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