The Bucks have entered the mix for Peyton Watson, adding another contender to a growing list of teams eyeing the Nuggets’ restricted free agent.
Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported that Milwaukee has joined the Clippers and Hawks in exploring a sign-and-trade for the athletic wing. Watson, 22, is said to be looking for a deal that pays at least $25 million per year.
Milwaukee’s financial position could give it a path to make something happen. After its reported agreement with Gary Trent Jr., the Bucks are expected to have more than $10 million in room below the luxury tax, which means a deal could be possible if they move salary out.
Kyle Kuzma, Caris LeVert and A.J. Green are among the players who could be part of a package.
That said, any talks figure to be tricky because of Denver’s side of the equation. The Nuggets are believed to have little appetite for taking back meaningful salary in a sign-and-trade, since that would hard-cap them at the second tax apron. They also are not expected to give Watson away at a discount.
One recent report said Denver is seeking a return similar to what the Jazz got for Walker Kessler: two first-round picks and two pick swaps.
Watson’s value is easy to see. The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 8.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 79 games last season, while carving out a role as one of Denver’s best young defenders and an important part of the rotation.
If the Bucks do pull it off, they would be adding another switchable defender to a roster that has already changed a lot this offseason.
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