Peyton Watson is nearing a big payday after his breakout season. The Denver Nuggets are offering the UCLA product a five-year, $70 million deal, according to The Athletic’s Tony Jones.
It’s a tricky financial situation for Denver, which recently matched the Oklahoma City Thunder‘s two-year, $12 million offer sheet for sharpshooter Spencer Jones. The Jones move brought the Nuggets into the second apron, so they’ll reportedly have to do some roster shuffling to be able to extend Watson.
If Watson and the Nuggets can’t make it work, he’ll have plenty of suitors. The only holdup is apparently the Nuggets’ asking price. Denver is reportedly requesting two first-round picks in exchange for Watson, who took a massive leap in Year 4 but is still relatively unproven.
Watson averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 41.1% from 3 last season. The 23-year-old has steadily improved each year, becoming a trusted NBA role player after hardly playing as a freshman at UCLA in 2021-22.
Peyton Watson landing spots
The Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers have reportedly expressed interest in a sign-and-trade for Watson. Los Angeles has long been a rumored destination for the 6-foot-8 guard, as the Clippers are undergoing somewhat of a youth movement following Kawhi Leonard’s (likely) departure.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: NBA trade rumors: Nuggets want haul for Peyton Watson as 3 teams show interest
