NBA Notes: Cavs, Jaylon Tyson, Nuggets, Peyton Watson, Blazers

Cavaliers

Perhaps the Cavaliers already have part of the answer they’re looking for on the wing.

Zach Weiss of Cavs On SI argues Cleveland needs to make a concerted effort to keep Jaylon Tyson involved offensively next season, particularly after his role shrank dramatically during the playoffs.

It’s a fair point. Tyson averaged 13 points while shooting 45 percent from beyond the arc during the regular season, but his minutes and shot attempts plummeted in the postseason. His production naturally followed.

Cleveland continues to pursue help on the wing, including the Nuggets’ Peyton Watson and Hawks free agent Jonathan Kuminga. But Tyson showed enough last season to suggest he deserves a meaningful role regardless of who else arrives.

The Cavs don’t necessarily need to build the offense around him. They probably shouldn’t forget he’s out there, either.

Nuggets

The Nuggets and Peyton Watson remain far apart, and Logan Struck of Nuggets On SI believes Denver is essentially lowballing its restricted free agent.

There’s at least some evidence for the argument.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that Denver has offered Watson a four-year, $70 million contract, with a team option in the final season. Watson apparently views his value as considerably higher after a breakout year.

Struck points to Christian Braun‘s five-year, $125 million deal as a potential benchmark for Watson’s camp. Whether another team is willing to approach that number is another matter.

Watson’s options include accepting Denver’s offer, signing his $6.5 million qualifying offer or waiting for a sign-and-trade. The Cavs, Bucks and Clippers have all been linked to him.

Whatever happens, this one doesn’t sound particularly close to resolution.

Trail Blazers

Things continue to move in the right direction for keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland.

As Jeremy Brener of Blazers On SI notes, Portland City Council approved a term sheet by an 8-4 vote that would commit up to $120 million toward renovations of Moda Center.

The county has already approved its portion, while the Oregon legislature has pledged $365 million contingent upon agreements being reached.

That leaves new Blazers owner Tom Dundon with a decision.

The proposed arrangement would require Portland to pay $3.1 million annually in rent and another $3 million in property taxes. The Blazers would also cover renovation costs beyond the roughly $600 million in proposed public funding and agree not to relocate during the 20-year lease.

Negotiations are expected to continue ahead of a Dec. 17 vote.