New Update Given on Potential Brooklyn Nets Offseason Targets

"Peyton Watson is going to be one of the top restricted free agents," Scotto said. "A young guy who really burst onto the scene, having a career year. I've had plenty of conversations with Denver throughout the season, they want to keep this guy."

Scotto mentioned that in order for the Nuggets to stay under the second apron and re-sign Watson, they'd have to explore a trade for former Nets veteran Cam Johnson, who was sent from Brooklyn to Denver last year for Michael Porter Jr.

Watson is averaging a career-high 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game on 49-41-73 shooting splits for a title contender. When the Nuggets were without Nikola Jokić for 15 of their 16 games in January.

Throughout that month, Watson averaged an impressive 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, leading them to a 10-6 record. If Denver can't afford to give the 23-year-old the money he desires, the Nets could swoop in and make him a highlight of the young core.

The other potential target Scotto mentioned was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has long been reported to be of interest to Brooklyn. The two-time MVP was nearly moved at this year's trade deadline, but the Milwaukee Bucks decided to hold on to him. This will reopen rumors in the offseason.

Scotto noted that trading Antetokounmpo would open up "Pandora's Box," as the Bucks could then move on from veterans such as Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma while taking back assets for the future. There's even uncertainty as to whether or not head coach Doc Rivers will be back next season.

"Where [Antetokounmpo] is in his contract, he's going to have a say so," Scotto said. "No team is going to give up all those picks that you talked about, that Milwaukee is going to want, until you know that you're locking him up."

The Nets have the cap space to bring in Antetokounmpo, as well as supplementary talent, plus the young players and draft picks to acquire the superstar.

But with next season being the last that is fully guaranteed on his contract (player option for the 2027-28 season), teams may be more hesitant to go after him if they know he won't re-sign. That will be a major question facing Brooklyn this summer.