The Cavaliers just made a move that could have real ripple effects for the Clippers’ chase of Peyton Watson.
Cleveland, one of the teams said to be in the mix for the 23-year-old forward, traded Dennis Schröder and cash considerations to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann. That deal created $6.8 million in savings, a useful bit of financial breathing room for a front office that just reached the Eastern Conference Finals and wants to keep pushing toward the NBA Finals next season.
And that’s where Watson comes in.
The Cavaliers have a clear opening at small forward, and Watson’s profile fits what they need. He brings defense that can matter in lineups alongside Donovan Mitchell, and on the other end, a floor general like James Harden would be positioned to get the most out of him. Kenny Atkinson could also help him keep building after a fourth NBA season that produced 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while he shot 49.1% from the field.
At 23, Watson also lines up with the rest of Cleveland’s young core, including Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, Tre Mann, and recently drafted guard Maleek Thomas. The Cavaliers seem to know exactly what they’re after, and the Schröder move suggests they’re making room to get there.
For the Clippers, the situation is far less clean. They need what Watson brings on both ends, but right now their offseason is stuck in place because of the alleged cap circumvention investigation involving Kawhi Leonard. Until that gets sorted out, the sign-and-trade path fans have been hoping for with Watson does not look likely.
The one thing working in Los Angeles’ favor is Watson’s reported preference to return home. If that’s his lean, then the biggest obstacle still standing between the Clippers and a deal is the NBA’s investigation into Leonard.
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