NBA free agency has been a brutal process this year. From Jonathan Kuminga in San Francisco to Jalen Duren in Detroit, multiple players have been holding out in hopes of securing a more desirable deal, though results have been mixed.
Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson is part of this exclusive group, as reports indicate he’s seeking at least $25 million per year in restricted free agency. The Nuggets have so far been unwilling to budge, leading multiple teams to express interest in the veteran forward. Specifically, the Clippers are known to “covet” the four-year role player, but the Nuggets’ asking price is too steep to accept.
“We’ve mentioned for several days now that the Clippers have been projected to be the most ardent external suitor for Denver restricted free agent Peyton Watson,” reported league insider Jake Fischer. “Sources reiterate that the Clippers do indeed still covet Watson and have shown interest in a deal with the UCLA product in the $25-plus million range per season that Watson is said to be seeking. However, sources with knowledge of the talks told me Thursday that the Nuggets’ sign-and-trade asking price has to this juncture been too steep for the Clippers to deeply consider. As a result, sources say, there is an increasing possibility that the Clippers opt from here to focus on re-signing their own restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin instead.”
Watson, 23, has played a big role in Denver over the past two seasons. While not as important as Jokic or Murray, he provided key floor spacing and perimeter defense on the wing. Last season, in 54 games, Watson averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game on 49.1% shooting and 41.1% shooting from three.
Initially, Watson was heavily pursued by the Lakers, but he’d be a perfect fit on a team like the Clippers, who are young and deep at multiple positions. For LA, Watson could take the starting small forward spot, joining Darius Garland, Brandon Ingram, and Rui Hachimura (among others). It would not make the Hawks favorites for the title, but it might push them into a top six seed in the Conference.
On the other side of the bracket, the Atlanta Hawks have emerged as the strongest suitor for Watson. He would be a major upgrade for them at the three, but the only catch is that they can only make it work via a sign-and-trade agreement. In exchange, the Hawks could offer Dyson Daniels, who is set to make $25 million per year through 2030.
“Atlanta, sources say, has also shown some fresh interest in Watson, which would likewise require a sign-and-trade to make it happen,” Fischer added.
As a team that finished sixth in the standings last season, the Hawks may not be too far away from being a real playoff threat. With Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, they already have a solid foundation, and Watson would only raise their ceiling as a reliable two-way wing player.
Ultimately, wherever Watson ends up, he’s bound to make an impact. Over four years in Denver, he proved himself as a valuable role player, and he likely hasn’t even scratched the surface of his highest potential. That’s why Watson is betting on himself this summer, even if it means leaving behind the only team he’s ever known. In the process, teams like the Hawks and Clippers can figure out just how much they’re willing to pay to secure his long-term commitment.
