The Cavaliers are still trying to lock down their final starter for the upcoming season, and Peyton Watson has suddenly entered the conversation.
Cleveland has been mentioned as one of the teams still hunting for a starting-caliber forward, and that search now includes the Nuggets’ restricted free-agent wing. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Cavs have already reached out about a sign-and-trade.
“Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have recently called to express interest in a sign-and-trade for Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson, league sources told HoopsHype," HoopsHype's Michael Scotto wrote.
Watson, an NBA champion, has drawn attention because of his ceiling and the two-way value he could bring. He’s also the kind of player who could slide into whatever job Cleveland needs him to do. The catch is the price tag: the 23-year-old is said to be looking for a deal in the $28 million range.
“Peyton Watson and his camp want something in that $28 million north range and the offers so far have been fluctuating between that $20-24 million per year range… When you’re Peyton Watson, you want more than Christian Braun,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote.
Any move for Watson would likely have to come through a sign-and-trade, and Denver’s financial situation could shape how that deal looks. With limited flexibility, the Nuggets may not have much room to dictate terms. NBA reporter Evan Sidery has floated a framework that sends Max Strus and draft compensation to Denver.
“A potential sign-and-trade trade framework between the Cavaliers and Nuggets involving Peyton Watson: Cleveland: Watson. Denver: Max Strus + 2030 swap,” Sidery posted.
That setup would let Cleveland bring in a younger, versatile forward at a more workable number, while also moving off Strus’ contract. Strus is on a $62 million deal, and for Denver, he’d provide veteran shooting while taking a contract off the books after next season.
If the Cavaliers can make it happen, Watson would give them another adaptable piece and a different kind of weapon on the wing.
In Other News...
Cavaliers Just Got Blasted Over The Move Fans Wanted Most
Charles Oakley did not hold back in his criticism of the Cavaliers, taking aim at the way the franchise has handled its roster and the lingering disappointment of never bringing LeBron James back to Cleveland. For fans, that old what-if still hangs over every offseason conversation, especially when the organization is trying to keep pace in a crowded Eastern Conference.
LeBron has now signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and said it will be his final NBA team, closing the door on any future homecoming. Cleveland, meanwhile, is moving forward after its Eastern Conference Finals loss by planning to re-sign James Harden and chase Jonathan Kuminga, a reminder that the front office is still searching for the right mix to break through. [Read more 🡒]
Donovan Mitchell Reacts Wildly To Tarik Skubal Trade News
The latest blockbuster on the baseball side of things turned into an immediate conversation piece well beyond the sport, as the Los Angeles Dodgers landed two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers. In return, Detroit picked up outfielder Zyhir Hope along with right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith, a reminder that even the biggest talent moves still come with a steep prospect cost.
Skubal, for his part, sounded eager about the change of scenery and the chance to join a Dodgers staff that already carries a strong reputation. For Cleveland fans following along, it was the kind of star-for-futures trade that always gets attention, especially when the package includes two of Los Angeles' top 100 prospects and leaves plenty of room for debate about which side got the better end of the deal. [Read more 🡒]