The Cavaliers are making a clear pivot in their search for wing help, and it could cost them a well-traveled veteran to get it done.
After spending much of the summer chasing NBA champion Jonathan Kuminga, Cleveland has shifted its attention to Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson. The Kuminga pursuit never really got off the ground, with Watson now looking like the preferred fallback option.
Last week, Cleveland officially shelved the Kuminga idea and reached out to Denver about a possible sign-and-trade for Watson. “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.
The move makes sense for where the Cavaliers appear to be headed. Rather than keep pushing for Kuminga, Cleveland has zeroed in on Watson as its next wing target.
“The Cavaliers appear to be prioritizing Peyton Watson now over Jonathan Kuminga as their Plan B wing option after missing out on LeBron James. Cleveland would offer Max Strus or Dennis Schröder alongside a future swap.
The Nuggets remain in a serious bind due to apron issues," NBA reporter EvanSidery wrote.
But getting Watson would require Cleveland to do some roster housekeeping first. The Cavaliers are reportedly shopping Dennis Schröder as they try to free up the necessary financial space for a deal.
“The Cavaliers are actively exploring scenarios to offload Dennis Schröder as they make progress on a sign-and-trade with the Nuggets for Peyton Watson. Cleveland is aggressively pursuing Watson as their key wing addition. Schröder could soon be on his 12th NBA team in 14 years,” Sidery posted.
If Cleveland can move Schröder, that would be a major step toward landing Watson. The 13-year veteran and $117 million guard brings experience and leadership, but Watson is the bigger fit for what the Cavaliers need on the wing right now.
Watson is also viewed as a player nearing elite 3-and-D status, which would give Cleveland another versatile option on both ends of the floor. For now, the path to that upgrade may come down to whether the Cavaliers can clear Schröder’s money and finish the sign-and-trade.
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There is still a path where the talks drag on and the sides never fully line up, which would leave Denver juggling both short-term rotation needs and long-term control of the player. Watson's market is not just hypothetical, either, with Cleveland emerging as a noteworthy suitor if the Nuggets decide to explore a sign-and-trade. For Denver, the stakes are obvious: either secure a young wing before the situation hardens, or risk watching a useful piece become part of a much messier decision down the road. [Read more 🡒]