Nuggets reportedly want to replace Peyton Watson with $305M future Hall of Famer, 6x All-Star

Nuggets reportedly want to replace Peyton Watson with $305M future Hall of Famer, 6x All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Denver Nuggets have had a tough offseason, to say the least, as they have had virtually no financial flexibility to make significant moves. Denver is making it increasingly difficult to remain a legitimate contender without being able to add meaningful talent to the roster.

This summer has been one of the most challenging in recent memory for the Nuggets. Given their current financial situation, their lack of flexibility is among the worst the organization has faced.

“The Denver Nuggets were in a tough financial position before the offseason got underway, and by re-signing Spencer Jones to a two-year, $12 million deal, they slid into the second apron with a projected luxury tax penalty of $68 million, the highest in franchise history. However, this is all with two roster spots still to fill,” SI’s Logan Struck wrote.

On Wednesday night, Denver was forced to trade Peyton Watson after being unable to offer him the contract he was seeking.

“Denver is trading Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers and will receive Cleveland’s 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-rounder from the Sacramento Kings. The Cavs are sending Max Strus to the Los Angeles Clippers, which gives them the flexibility to sign Watson to a four-year, $88 million contract. There were multiple other minor moves involved to complete the deal, including the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets,” Bleacher Report’s Joseph Zucker wrote.

With Watson gone, the Nuggets now have a major hole to fill on the wing. They have reportedly turned their attention toward replacing him with veteran forward DeMar DeRozan.

“The Nuggets are now showing interest in DeMar DeRozan as their replacement for Peyton Watson. DeRozan would join a Denver roster now in need of an impact wing,” NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.

DeRozan would be a strong addition for the next season or two, as he remains one of the league’s most reliable offensive players. He can create his own shot and score from multiple areas of the floor, giving Denver another proven option alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The biggest concern would be DeRozan’s defense, which has been a weakness throughout his career and has become an even greater concern in recent seasons. 

DeRozan has made $305 million throughout his career and would bring plenty of experience to Denver. The Nuggets would like to add another veteran who understands what it takes to compete at a high level. While DeRozan is certainly not a direct replacement for Watson, he could be one of the best options available to Denver given its difficult financial situation.

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