Cavaliers, Hawks, Bucks, Clippers battling for $11M NBA champion, 3-and-D breakout staroriginally appeared onThe Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as aPreferred
The NBA offseason has been an exciting one, with everything that has taken place, from blockbuster trades to massive signings. There are still several names on the market who are being heavily pursued by teams around the league
Advertisement
One of those players is Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson, who has already won an NBA championship. He could be on his way out of Denver, as the Nuggets have been unable to meet his contract demands
“The Nuggets’ offer for Peyton Watson remains in the $16-18 million per year range, per The Stein Line. Denver and Watson’s representatives, Klutch Sports, are dug in on their value. If Denver doesn’t want to cooperate on a sign-and-trade, Watson could take the qualifying offer,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote
A team that appears to be all in on Watson is the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are looking for a starting wing. The 23-year-old has emerged as one of their top priorities
“The Cavaliers appear to be prioritizing Peyton Watson now over Jonathan Kuminga as their Plan B wing option after missing out on LeBron James. Cleveland would offer Max Strus or Dennis Schröder alongside a future swap. The Nuggets remain in a serious bind due to apron issues,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote
Advertisement
However, Cleveland appears to have some serious competition for Watson. The Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks have all reportedly expressed significant interest in the young forward
“The LA Clippers have interest in Watson, sources told ESPN, however, it is unclear whether their pending Kawhi Leonard trade with the Toronto Raptors would affect a Watson pursuit. The Atlanta Hawks, who did not re-sign Jonathan Kuminga; the Milwaukee Bucks, who are in a franchise transition after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat; and the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost out on the LeBron James sweepstakes, are also “serious candidates” to land Watson, a league source familiar with the situation told ESPN,” ESPN wrote.
As of now, Watson is one of the most sought-after players remaining in free agency. It is a difficult situation for teams trying to complete a sign-and-trade with Denver, as the Nuggets have very little financial flexibility to work with
Watson has made $11 million during his young NBA career so far, and he is looking to secure a significant contract with his next team. All four teams would provide Watson with opportunities to flourish, but it ultimately comes down to which organization can work out a deal with the Nuggets
Advertisement
<a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/los-angeles-lakers/news/76ers-lebron-james-and-lakers-bronny-james-set-make-nba-history-christmas-day/1933e1069d5deee5c3f189e6″ rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>76ers’ LeBron James and Lakers’ Bronny James set to make NBA history on Christmas Day
Lakers get major ex-Warriors Jonathan Kuminga boost after latest Hawks roster decision
Lakers predicted to outbid Cavaliers, Timberwolves for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion, young star
Cavaliers, Lakers reportedly favorites to sign $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion as season nears
