The Denver Nuggets stay optimistic that Peyton Watson might be again subsequent season regardless of rising curiosity from a number of groups in restricted free company.
Based on Tony Jones, Denver is assured it should retain the 23-year-old ahead after permitting the restricted free-agent market to develop. “The Nuggets, in accordance with these league sources, worth Peyton Watson considerably,” Jones reported on The Athletic. “They really feel they’re in a great spot to retain his providers and simply must let the restricted-free-agency course of play out.”
That confidence comes as Watson has emerged as one of many franchise’s most essential younger gamers. In the course of the 2025-26 season, he averaged profession highs of 14.6 factors, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks throughout 54 video games, together with 40 begins. He additionally shot an environment friendly 49.1% from the sector and 41.1% from three-point vary, establishing himself as a dependable two-way contributor alongside Denver’s veteran core.
Watson completed fourth on the Nuggets in scoring behind Nikola Jokic (27.7 factors per recreation), Jamal Murray (25.4) and Aaron Gordon (16.2). His breakout marketing campaign helped Denver compile a 54-28 document, good for third place within the Western Convention, earlier than the group was eradicated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in six video games through the first spherical of the playoffs.
Curiosity across the league has elevated accordingly. Marc Stein beforehand reported that the Milwaukee Bucks are exploring a sign-and-trade for Watson, whereas the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks have additionally expressed curiosity in buying the versatile ahead.
Milwaukee has entered the offseason centered on reshaping its roster after buying and selling Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Warmth. The Bucks completed 32-50 final season and have already added Caris LeVert, re-signed Gary Trent Jr. to a four-year, $64 million contract, and introduced in rookies Brayden Burries, Nate Ament, Bogoljub Markovic and Kam Jones as a part of their rebuilding effort underneath new head coach Taylor Jenkins.
Denver, nonetheless, continues to carry appreciable leverage as a result of Watson is a restricted free agent. The Nuggets have constantly indicated they’re ready to match exterior provide sheets, whereas additionally remaining open to a sign-and-trade provided that negotiations fail to supply a long-term settlement.
That stance is mirrored within the group’s reported asking value. Jake Fischer has reported that Denver values Watson at a degree similar to the compensation Utah obtained for Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Los Angeles Lakers: two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round choose swaps after Kessler agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract.
