Lakers, Bulls and Nets Poised to Pursue Nuggets Restricted Free Agent Peyton Watson
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The Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets are expected to consider offer-sheet bids for Denver Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson when free agency opens this summer, league sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
According to Fischer, the Lakers and Bulls inquired about acquiring Watson prior to the February trade deadline. While Brooklyn’s level of interest is less certain, all three clubs are projected to have the salary-cap flexibility required to extend a competitive offer to the 23-year-old restricted free agent.
Watson is coming off a breakout campaign in which he averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 blocks over 29.6 minutes, shooting 49.1% from the field, 41.1% from three-point range and 73.0% at the foul line.
The Lakers are widely expected to target a two-way wing this offseason, while the Nets plan to accelerate their rebuild after finishing 20-62 in 2025-26 without control of their 2027 first-round pick. Chicago’s strategy remains unclear amid an ongoing front-office overhaul, but the Bulls currently project to hold more cap space than any other team.
Denver, meanwhile, has more than $201 million in guaranteed salaries committed for 2026-27 to only eight players. Re-signing Watson at market value would push the Nuggets into the NBA’s second apron unless they trim costs elsewhere. Despite the potential tax implications, Denver retains the right to match any offer sheet.
Watson has appeared in just five games since Feb. 4 because of hamstring soreness and is considered likely to miss the entire first-round series against Minnesota, in which the Nuggets trail 3-1. Team officials have not provided a formal timetable, but sources told Fischer his absence was expected to last at least through the opening round. The injury is not believed to be a major factor in his upcoming free-agency outlook.
Source: Hoops Rumors
