Cavaliers reportedly closing in on trade to acquire $11M NBA Champion from the Nuggets image
The Cleveland Cavaliers have not made many moves this offseason, and a big reason for that has been their pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga. However, that process went absolutely nowhere after roughly a month of trying to reach an agreement with him.
Kuminga has proven to be one of the most difficult players to reach a contract agreement with this offseason. As a result, Cleveland has shifted its focus toward NBA champion Peyton Watson.
“The Cavaliers appear to be prioritizing Peyton Watson now over Jonathan Kuminga as their Plan B wing option after missing out on LeBron James. Cleveland would offer Max Strus or Dennis Schröder alongside a future swap. The Nuggets remain in a serious bind due to apron issues," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
The Cavaliers have to make additional moves to acquire Watson, as the young forward is seeking a sizable contract. Cleveland has already traded Dennis Schröder as part of that process and is now looking to offload Max Strus.
“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.
Watson is an exciting young player with plenty of potential, which is why the Cavaliers are pushing so hard to acquire him. As things stand, Cleveland appears to be getting closer to completing a sign-and-trade.
“The Nuggets and Cavaliers are deep in trade negotiations involving Peyton Watson,” Sidery posted.
This would be a huge addition for Cleveland because of its significant need for a starting wing. Watson has plenty of upside and could give the Cavaliers a long-term option at the position.
Watson has made $11 million in his young NBA career. Cleveland has to feel like it is finally getting close to making something happen this summer. After what has been a relatively slow offseason, the Cavaliers could be on the verge of securing Watson and finally clearing the way to re-sign James Harden.
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