Nuggets demand first-round pick, rotation player in any Peyton Watson sign-and-trade
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The Denver Nuggets are insisting on a package that includes at least one first-round draft pick and a proven rotation player before agreeing to a sign-and-trade for restricted free agent Peyton Watson, league sources told HoopsHype.
Several teams—Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers—have inquired about Watson, but none has added a first-round selection to its proposals, according to the report.
Watson, 23, has emerged as one of the most coveted restricted free agents still on the market as the NBA offseason moves into August. ESPN previously noted that Cleveland “continues to poke around” on the forward while negotiations on James Harden’s new contract play out elsewhere in the league.
The Bucks have also examined a broader trade concept that would bring Denver forward Zeke Nnaji to Milwaukee, HoopsHype added.
With no acceptable offer on the table and no long-term deal in place, sources said Watson could simply accept his $6.5 million qualifying offer and remain in Denver for the 2024-25 season. Doing so would position him to enter unrestricted free agency next summer with greater leverage.
The Nuggets, for now, appear willing to wait for an offer that meets their price.
Source: Hoops Wire
