As the NBA offseason approaches, the Denver Nuggets are weighing big decisions surrounding Peyton Watson, whose rising value may lead them to trade a current starter to free up cap space for him. Watson's improved performance has shifted priorities for the team, previously prioritizing Christian Braun for extension over him. There’s an indication that the Nuggets plan to focus on retaining Watson, but doing so could mean sacrificing a key player to fit him under their financial constraints.

By the Numbers
  • Peyton Watson is projected to become a restricted free agent, potentially leading to a high-value contract.
  • Cam Johnson, a trade target, has an expiring salary of $23 million for the next season, making up roughly 13.9% of the cap.
Yes, But

While Watson's performance has changed the narrative around him, the Nuggets have previously shown reluctance to exceed financial constraints, particularly the second apron threshold, which most teams consider a hard cap.

State of Play
  • Peyton Watson's recent breakout has drawn interest from rival teams, causing urgency for the Nuggets.
  • The Nuggets have not yet incurred luxury tax this season, providing flexibility for future roster moves.
What's Next

Looking ahead, the Nuggets will likely need to explore trading options this summer to retain Watson, with Cam Johnson viewed as the most likely candidate to be traded. Their playoff performance and Watson's health will significantly influence these decisions.

Bottom Line

The decision on whether to trade a starter hinges on the Nuggets’ commitment to keeping Peyton Watson, who has proven indispensable. Their offseason strategy will prioritize financial flexibility while balancing roster integrity, making this a pivotal moment for the franchise.