The Denver Nuggets have made their preference clear: they want Peyton Watson back. The real question is whether they can bridge the gap with the restricted free agent wing, whose breakout season has pushed his price well beyond where Denver may want to go.
An anonymous Nuggets front office executive told Spotrac’s Keith Smith that the team is still aiming to keep Watson in Denver.
"We want Peyton to stay with us. He’s an important player for us. We’ll see where things go with his contract, but we’ve made it clear our intention is for him to stay with us," the Nuggets executive said.
That intention, though, comes with a financial catch. Watson is believed to be seeking around $25 million per year on his next deal, while the Nuggets may be closer to an offer around $18 million annually, with one reported offer even lower. If those numbers are accurate, the sides remain far apart, and this could turn into a longer standoff unless one side gives in or Denver works out a sign-and-trade.
Watson’s case is easy to make on the court. Last season, he averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.0 stocks per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from deep. At 6-foot-8 with high-level athleticism, he brings length, versatility, and impact on both ends.
Denver could certainly use that kind of player after an underwhelming offseason. Watson’s defense alone gives the Nuggets a strong reason to keep him, and his offensive jump last season hinted at a bigger two-way ceiling down the line.
The only real obstacle is money. If the Nuggets are willing to push their offer higher, re-signing Watson shouldn’t be a problem. But they also have to factor in the luxury tax, and they’re already staring at a historic bill if they bring him back without making other moves.
For now, the Nuggets are saying the right things. Whether they’re willing to pay what it takes is the part still waiting to be answered.
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