Draymond Green didn’t mince words about Cleveland’s move for Peyton Watson, and his read on the deal centered on the draft capital the Cavaliers gave up.
The Cavs struck a sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets to land Watson, sending Max Strus to the Los Angeles Clippers along with a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2032 second-round pick to Denver. Watson also agreed to a four-year, $88 million extension with Cleveland, making him a major part of the roster going forward.
Watson arrives after a career season in which he averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three. Cleveland is banking on that two-way profile to pay off immediately, with Watson expected to start at small forward next to James Harden and Donovan Mitchell and alongside Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Still, Green framed the deal through the lens of long-term value. "The Nuggets picked up what a lot of people view as a great, great, great asset which is the unprotected 2031 Cavaliers 1st round pick," Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green said.
"The Cavs wanna compete and usually when teams try to compete you have your window and then it goes to s***... the Nuggets was deciding between Cam Johnson and Peyton Watson... I think the sentiment in Denver could be Peyton Watson next deal is only gonna go up from here, Cam Johnson's may revert back the opposite way so you can afford to keep him longer."
Cleveland’s message is clear: it’s pushing in now. The roster has talent, and Watson adds athleticism, shooting and defense, but the Cavaliers may still need another move or two at the deadline if they want to seriously chase the NBA Finals.
The pressure in the East is there, too. The Miami Heat added Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Philadelphia 76ers brought in Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, and the Toronto Raptors are potentially in position to trade for Kawhi Leonard.
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Former Cavs First Rounder Suddenly Has A New Spotlight
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One name now sitting in that conversation is Cam Whitmore, the former first-round pick who was recently waived by the Cavaliers. Whitmore already has NBA experience, and with the Lakers still exploring options, he could be in play for a two-way contract if their search points in that direction. [Read more 🡒]