The Clippers may still have one last move left to make before the offseason closes, and it could come in the frontcourt.
Los Angeles has already spent the summer reshaping its roster, but a few pieces are still hanging in the balance. The Kawhi Leonard trade continues to shadow the franchise while the league investigates cap circumvention, and the expectation around the team is that Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick are headed to LA soon.
Even with those additions in view, the Clippers still have room to chase another forward, and Peyton Watson has emerged as the clearest target. A sign-and-trade for Watson feels close to unavoidable now, with the forward and the Denver Nuggets stuck in contract talks. Denver has little flexibility because it is above the second apron, and Watson has not moved off his asking price.
The Nuggets’ offseason has been quiet beyond the Marvin Bagley signing, and that lack of movement could open the door for the Clippers to strike. Derrick Jones Jr. could also enter the conversation in a sign-and-trade, though that route would come with less draft capital attached.
At 6'8", Watson fits the direction Los Angeles is trying to go. The Clippers are clearly working toward a younger roster as they move into a post-Leonard era, and Watson’s age and production line up with that shift. He posted career bests last season in points at 14.6, rebounds at 4.9, and assists at 2.1 per game.
That kind of profile is exactly why he looks like the priority right now. Los Angeles has already added wings in Rui Hachimura and Ingram, but Watson would bring a real chance at meaningful minutes and another piece that matches the team’s new timeline.
If Watson doesn’t come through, the Clippers still have alternatives. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the team remains interested in a Bradley Beal reunion. Beal declined his player option, but a return to LA is still possible if he doesn’t land a better offer elsewhere.
Bennedict Mathurin is another name still available. Stein reported that the New Orleans Pelicans had interest in the restricted free agent, and the Clippers could also decide to bring him back. Mathurin struggled during his brief run with LA, but a full offseason could help him settle in.
There’s also the possibility of adding a center through trade, though that market is thin and the Clippers have not addressed the position yet this summer. Still, Watson remains the move that makes the most sense if Los Angeles can pull it off.
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