The 2026 NBA Playoffs ended on an incredibly sour note for the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets went into the playoffs as a favorite for the championship. Nevertheless, they lost in the first round to a short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves team that was without superstar Anthony Edwards and sharpshooter Donte DiVincenzo.
With such a shocking loss, NBA fans are wondering what’s next for the Nuggets, as the entire starting five struggled. In fact, President Josh Kroenke even said, “I think everything’s on the table, outside of trading Nikola (Jokic).” As fans continue to discuss the Nuggets’ future and needs, they often seem to forget someone.
What About Watson?
Peyton Watson missed the entirety of the series with a hamstring injury. His absence, combined with Aaron Gordon’s injury, played a massive role in Denver’s loss. Clearly, some fans have forgotten how crucial Watson was this season, and how he helped anchor a banged-up Nuggets squad all year long.
Now, Watson’s contract is up, but his price range would push Denver past the luxury tax. They will need to trade away a key piece to get him.
Recent performances from the entire starting lineup have already got Denver’s front office thinking about moving moves. However, they may be less likely to blow up the roster as some fans think.
Peyton Watson Over Who?
If Watson was healthy, the Minnesota series could have been entirely different. Without his 14.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, and 41 percent from three, Denver was down a crucial piece. His athleticism, interior defense, and shot creation were also desperately missed. Additionally, at only 23-years-old, he’s only get better. Thus, re-signing Watson would be a smart move for the Nuggets.
Additionally, his current positional competition on the team is Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson, neither of which lived up to expectations this season. After signing a five-year, $125 million contract, Braun averaged a mere 12 points a game, showing an inability to create his own shot. With a decline in essentially every major statistic, some fans are even calling it the worst contract in the NBA.
As for Johnson, he started hitting his stride late into the season and had a few solid playoff games. But at only 12.2 points per game, he proved to be a disappointment. For reference, Johnson averaged almost 19 points per game the year prior in Brooklyn, and he was brought on to replace Michael Porter Jr.‘s 18 points a night. If given the choice between Watson and one of those two, the answer should be Watson.
Who Else Could Go?
Jamal Murray could also be moved, but he would likely only be traded for another player on a large contract. With the Jokic window still open, Denver is in win-now mode. So, they would only trade their star point guard for another player who can help them compete. Additionally, given how desperately the Nuggets needed ball-handling help against Minnesota, trading away their best one would be impulsive.
The last possible trade option is Gordon. Gordon is a puzzling case, as he is beloved in Denver, has taken his game to new levels, and plays an utterly vital role. However, this postseason marks two in a row in which his inability to stay healthy crushed the Nuggets. Though he does not have Gordon’s weight, Watson’s height, shooting, rim protection, shot creation, and ability to play in the dunker spot make him the perfect Gordon replacement.
Who Wants Peyton Watson?
If Denver keeps their guys, or if they trade them for other guys on large contracts, Watson will likely walk. In which case, he will have plenty of other suitors.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been frequently linked to Watson. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are the future of the team, and they will need young wings to play alongside them and pick up the defensive slack. Additionally, with LeBron James likely on the way out, they will need somebody to pick up some of the scoring slack.
The Brooklyn Nets have also demonstrated interest. The Nets are starved for young talent across the board, as every position outside of a point guard is a need for them. Additionally, they have more than enough money to throw at Watson to get him to come to Brooklyn.
One more team to look out for is the Chicago Bulls. From the front office to the roster, the entire organization is in limbo with no clear direction yet. Regardless of how Chicago chooses to proceed, a young player who can score and defend at a position of need is always incredibly enticing.
What’s the Word?
The Nuggets could, and should, make re-signing Watson a priority. As Executive Vice President Ben Tenzer said, “We hope Peyton [Watson] is a Nugget for a very long time.” Fellow Executive Vice President Jon Wallace added on, saying “You’ve gotta continue to hit on those homegrown talents.”
Given how unimpressive several of Denver’s key pieces were, letting go of the one who took the largest strides is questionable.
But sometimes it’s not that simple. Given Braun and Johnson’s performances and Gordon’s string of injuries, teams may not be lining up to trade for them. Tenzer, Wallace, and co. may decide that they’re better off building on what they have than shaking things up.
Regardless of where he goes, the former first-round pick proved himself this season. Most fans aren’t talking about Watson’s impact as much since he wasn’t present in the playoffs, but true fans know. Wherever he ends up, Peyton Watson will be a key contributor, and he will likely remain a key contributor for many years to come.
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