Nuggets Holding Onto Rising Star Despite Trade Interest

Nuggets want to keep Watson

The Nuggets had the opportunity to sign Watson to a contract extension, but the two sides could not agree on a deal. Now, he is set to enter restricted free agency this offseason, and the growing expectation has been that the Nuggets will not be able to afford to bring him back.

Of course, there will be ways for the Nuggets to find the money for Watson, but it could get tricky. After his recent showing, though, they will likely do all they can to keep him from walking.

In nine games without Jokic, Watson has averaged 23.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 stocks (steals and blocks) per game while shooting 51% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range, leading the team in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks in that span.

After what Watson has shown he is capable of on both sides of the ball, he will be one of the most sought-after free agents this year. Luckily, the Nuggets will be able to match any offer that he receives, and it will just come down to whether they can afford it.

While, in theory, the Nuggets could look to capitalize on Watson's elite play by shopping him on the trade market, there should be a belief that he will help them win a championship this season. Sure, if they were afraid of losing him for nothing in the offseason and were not competing for a title, then sure, they could trade him, but he could be a legitimate difference-maker in the playoffs.

This report from Scotto is exactly what Nuggets fans needed to hear. While there is still a concern that the Nuggets will not be able to re-sign him after this season, they will at least do all they can to keep him in Denver.