Nuggets resist trade inquiries for Peyton Watson; Sengun plays through injury; Clippers eye 10-day deal with Patrick Baldwin Jr.
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DENVER — The Denver Nuggets have rejected multiple trade overtures for fourth-year forward Peyton Watson and intend to keep him in restricted free agency this summer, league sources told HoopsHype.
Nuggets commit to rising starter
Watson, 23, has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2 assists in 32.6 minutes since becoming a full-time starter about two months ago, shooting 52 percent from the floor and 43 percent from three-point range. He collected his first NBA Player of the Week award on Monday.
Denver already owes more than $201 million in guaranteed salary for 2026-27, including nearly $186 million tied to Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun. Matching a rising market for Watson could push the team toward the second tax apron unless other salaries are moved.
Sengun returns quickly for Rockets
HOUSTON — Center Alperen Sengun expected to miss up to two weeks with a right ankle sprain but sat out only three games over seven days. The 21-year-old admitted Wednesday he is still managing the injury. “Still not 100 percent … It’s not going to be 100 percent for a while, but I’ve played through this all my life and I’m okay with it,” he told Yahoo Sports.
The Rockets have lost four of their last five, including Thursday’s 20-point home defeat to Oklahoma City, adding urgency to Sengun’s recovery.
Clippers plan 10-day contract for Baldwin
LOS ANGELES — The LA Clippers will sign Patrick Baldwin Jr. to a 10-day contract, according to The Athletic. The 28th pick in the 2022 draft is expected to join the team for Monday’s game in Washington.
Baldwin, 7-feet tall, has appeared in 93 NBA games with Golden State, Washington and Los Angeles. After a two-way stint last season, he was waived in October and has averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 17 G League contests for the San Diego Clippers.
Los Angeles has an open roster slot, so no corresponding move is required. Baldwin’s $131,970 salary will leave the club about $1.15 million under the first tax apron. Carrying a full 15-man roster gives additional flexibility with two-way players Kobe Sanders, Jordan Miller and TyTy Washington Jr.
Source: Hoops Wire
