Nuggets Face Second Apron Pressure as Peyton Watson Pursues $25 Million Per Year
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Denver forward Peyton Watson is targeting an average annual salary above $25 million in his next deal, according to league sources cited by The Stein Line. The restricted free agent is seeking a figure that would exceed the rookie-scale extension the Nuggets granted Christian Braun last fall.
Watson’s chances of landing that number appear complicated by a shrinking free-agent landscape. Most clubs with the necessary cap room have already committed funds elsewhere, and Denver is not entertaining sign-and-trade scenarios for the 23-year-old, who remains part of the franchise’s long-term plans. With a $13.1 million cap hold, the Nuggets can afford to let negotiations play out without jeopardizing other offseason moves. Watson ranks No. 7 on Hoops Rumors’ list of the top 50 free agents of 2026 and is fourth among those still available.
Second apron a possibility
Denver has lately operated as though it is willing to open the season above the second apron to retain Watson and fellow restricted free agent Spencer Jones, sources told The Stein Line. Trade chatter has centered almost exclusively on backup center Jonas Valanciunas and reserve forward Zeke Nnaji.
Valanciunas drawing Lakers’ interest
Valanciunas, owed $10 million next season with only $2 million guaranteed if waived by July 8, is viewed as a potential Lakers target following Los Angeles’ agreement to send Deandre Ayton to Washington. Denver, which has been shopping Valanciunas since its season ended, reportedly welcomes that interest. Prior to draft night, the Nuggets tried to attach the veteran center to the No. 26 pick before ultimately moving the selection to San Antonio for No. 35 and two future second-rounders.
Nnaji still on block
Nnaji, whose name has circulated in trade talks for months, is set to earn $7.5 million in 2026-27 and holds a $7.5 million player option for 2027-28.
Cameron Johnson offers rejected
Sources say Denver has declined multiple proposals involving Cameron Johnson, whose $23 million expiring contract had been viewed as expendable to reduce payroll before re-signing Watson and Jones. Rival teams also expected the club to explore moving Braun, but his injury-marred campaign and imminent extension have dampened his market value.
Outreach to LeBron advocated
Separate columns in The Denver Post and the Denver Gazette urged the Nuggets to mount an aggressive pitch for LeBron James, pointing to the star’s long-standing friendship with the Kroenke family as a potential draw.
Source: Hoops Rumors
