The Peyton Watson trade adds challenges to the Denver Nuggets, who have not been a true threat to win an NBA Championship since last winning in 2023. This year doesn’t look promising either, following the Watson deal. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a five-team trade also involving the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and Los Angeles Clippers. Following the trade, Watson signed a four-year, $88-million contract with the Cavaliers.
In the Watson deal, Denver received Julian Reese via the Wizards, a Cleveland unprotected 2031 first-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick originally belonging to Sacramento. The Nuggets expect to waive Reese. The Cavaliers also got Cam Whitmore via Washington. The Clippers received Max Struss from Cleveland. Washington got Tre Mann via Charlotte and a 2027 second-round pick from Los Angeles. The Hornets received Dennis Schroder and cash from the Cavaliers.
The 2025-2026 season was a breakout year for Watson. Coming in with a career average of 8.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, he nearly doubled all offensive stats. This past season, he averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. He also doubled his number of games started; it could have been a benefit from playing off of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
The Cavaliers have playmakers as well, so we will have to see if there is any decline in Watson’s production. Cleveland hopes his breakout can continue. The Cavaliers look for this move to push them over the top after losing in the Eastern Conference Finals to the would-be champions, the New York Knicks.
The Nuggets still have stars with perennial MVP candidate Jokic and first-time All-Star Murray. Beyond them, there has been a lot left to be desired from the rest of the team, whether from health or statistics. Denver needs consistent contributions from returning players Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson to be considered a contender in the Western Conference. The Nuggets also must get bench scoring from Tyus Jones, Spencer Jones, and Julian Strawther; all of them will be relied upon to take on bigger roles this season.
Gordon’s health, if he can stay on the court, will be his biggest asset, as he only played 36 games last season. Overall, the team needs to improve, but the trade of Watson shouldn’t be the breaking point for this roster. The added draft capital can provide assets for another trade later if they’re looking to upgrade or add in the near future.
For a player of Jokic’s status, the desire and expectation to win can often outweigh team loyalty. It seems like more than ever, the star players control their careers and chase that ring, whether they already have one or more championships. Does Jokic, the face of the franchise, stick it out but sacrifice the opportunity to win again? The window in Denver may be closing for Jokic and company.
While there aren’t currently a lot of rumblings around Jokic moving, it’s not a guarantee he finishes his career with the Nuggets. Murray’s name has been out there for years. Management has yet to show signs that they are actively trying to move him, rather seeing what offers might blow it away.
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If the retool ends up being a rebuild, Jokic and Murray may look at their options. Denver needs to do a lot to prove they’re still a championship-caliber team and a favorite in the Western Conference. The trade of Watson isn’t a reason to panic. Expanding the role of Braun after an injury-limited season should replace or outpace the production Watson gave them last year.
The health of Jokic, Gordon, and Murray, however, has been a continuous concern in recent seasons. If they are unable to remain available and healthy, the injuries could be cause for panic. The Nuggets will need them to be at full health to avoid another disappointing finish to their season. Pressure to win now is alive for Denver; it’s time to show the league that it still deserves respect every night.
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