Nuggets' Peyton Watson Drawing Serious Interest From One Team

Jan 2, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) looks to drive on Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Nuggets' Peyton Watson Drawing Serious Interest From One Team

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI | By Jared Koch | Last updated Aug 11, 2026 1:00 PM ET

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Over the past few weeks, restricted free agent Peyton Watson has seen his name linked to several different suitors as potential landing spots if he weren't returning to the Denver Nuggets.

While the Nuggets have remained interested in keeping their restricted free agent forward, considering they've yet to sign him to a new deal throughout the past month, other teams have emerged with interest in a sign-and-trade happen, and signing Watson to his desired contract.

But amid all of the rumors that have recently surfaced, there appears to be one team––outside of the Nuggets––who is seriously interested in signing Peyton Watson: the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Cleveland Remains Highly Interested in Peyton Watson

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin on NBA Today, the Cavaliers are considered a "serious candidate" to land Peyton Watson amid other interested teams.

"I’m told that they [Cavs] are a ‘serious’ candidate to land Peyton Watson. There are other teams interested in Watson as well, but they are a serious candidate," McMenamin said.

It's not the first time that the Cavaliers have been linked to Watson throughout the course of his lengthy free agency. James Harden's own dragged-out free agency process has reportedly been partly due to keeping the team flexible to make a sign-and-trade for the Nuggets forward.

But Cleveland's interest would make sense: they were right on the doorstep of the NBA Finals last season and are looking for ways to take their roster to the next step, which could include making a push for Wastson, especially after missing out on LeBron James.

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cavaliers would have to find an agreement on a sign-and-trade deal with the Nuggets that would be acceptable on Denver's end; one that would match up financially and bring them the right value for their 23-year-old forward.

However, the Cavaliers' asset pool isn't exactly loaded. They don't have rights to their first round pick until 2030 due to the implications of their Donovan Mitchell trade, and have several young players on the roster who are intriguing, but far from as proven as someone like Watson: Jaylon Tayson, Meleek Thomas, Tyrese Proctor.

So could the Nuggets strike a deal with the Cavaliers for a package that they deem acceptable value for Watson? It could be easier said than done.

Keep in mind, Watson was extremely productive on both ends of the floor when he was fully healthy. At just 23 years old, he was averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from three. That production and potential would be huge to keep around in Denver.

If the Nuggets can figure out how to bring in Watson without eating a massive tax bill, expect that to be their preferred option. If they can't make it happen, the Cavaliers, and likely many other teams will be waiting, ready to strike on a sign-and-trade for the 23-year-old forward.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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