The Denver Nuggets may be willing to explore a sign-and-trade involving restricted free agent Peyton Watson, but the price tag is shaping up to be the real issue.
Milwaukee has surfaced as one possible landing spot, yet the Bucks do not appear eager to part with a first-round pick to get a deal done. According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, the Bucks are expected to be “hesitant” to include that kind of draft capital in any offer for Watson.
“But while the Bucks are interested in the 23-year-old forward, league sources maintain they expect the Bucks to be hesitant to include a first-round pick in any deal for Watson as they continue building out their asset base post-Antetokounmpo,” Nehm wrote, “Without giving up a first-round pick, the Nuggets would have to derive much of the value of a sign-and-trade with the Bucks from the player (or players) involved in the deal.”
That stance would make Milwaukee a tricky trade partner for Denver if the Nuggets are trying to get back meaningful value for Watson. After a career year in which the 23-year-old forward posted personal bests in scoring, rebounding, assists and three-point percentage over 54 games, Denver’s asking price would presumably be steep.
The Bucks’ reluctance also fits with where they are positioned asset-wise. After their trade to send out Giannis Antetokounmpo and bring back multiple future first-rounders from the Miami Heat, Milwaukee now owns seven first-round picks over the next seven years, but only two over the next four. Even with that stockpile, the report suggests the Bucks would rather keep building their future collection of assets than send one out for Watson.
That leaves Denver with a decision to make. If the Bucks are not willing to include a first-round pick, does the Nuggets’ interest in a sign-and-trade still make sense?
Do they keep searching for a team that will pay that kind of price? Or do they simply bring Watson back on a new contract?
For now, the lack of a strong trade market only makes Watson’s future more complicated. If Denver cannot find a deal that matches his value - whether through picks or players - re-signing him may become the most likely path.
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