{"id":696344,"date":"2026-04-03T18:31:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/696344\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T18:31:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:31:17","slug":"peyton-watson-gets-critical-update-on-future-with-nuggets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/696344\/","title":{"rendered":"Peyton Watson Gets Critical Update on Future With Nuggets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Peyton\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Peyton Watson of the Denver Nuggets<\/p>\n

The Denver Nuggets<\/a> have a big decision to make when it comes to their young veteran, Peyton Watson.<\/p>\n

Playing on the final year of his contract, Watson is set to become a free agent. However, he\u2019ll be restricted, giving the Nuggets an opportunity to match any offer he agrees to outside of Denver.<\/p>\n

With the regular season winding down, what is Denver thinking regarding their future with Watson? NBA Insider Michael Scotto offered the latest on that front<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Latest on Peyton Watson\u2019s Future With The Nuggets\"Peyton<\/p>\n

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK \u2013 FEBRUARY 04: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks<\/a> looks to pass the ball past Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden on February 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cPeyton Watson is going to be one of the top restricted free agents. A young guy who has really burst onto the scene, having a career year. I\u2019ve had plenty of conversations with Denver throughout the season. They want to keep this guy,\u201d Scotto said this week.<\/p>\n

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson is having a breakout season and will be one of the top restricted free agents this summer. After rebuffing trade interest, the Nuggets want to re-sign him this summer. Why Cam Johnson could become a trade candidate as a result on @YESNetwork<\/a>. <\/p>\n

That feels like an obvious move for Denver, considering how year four has gone for Watson so far.<\/p>\n

In 2025-2026, Watson has logged 54 appearances, with 40 as a starter. He is seeing the court for 29.6 minutes per game.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old is shooting 49.1% from the field and hitting on 41.1% of his threes, taking 3.6 attempts per game. Watson is posting 14.6 points per game.<\/p>\n

Beyond his scoring, the veteran guard has come down with 4.9 rebounds per game and produced 2.1 assists per game. He is also averaging 1.1 blocks per game.<\/p>\n

What Is Watson\u2019s Current Contract With The Nuggets?\"Peyton<\/p>\n

GettyWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 JANUARY 22: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates with Aaron Gordon #32 after a play against the Washington Wizards<\/a> during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Nuggets acquired Watson from the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>. Coming out of UCLA in 2022, Watson was selected in the first round of the NBA<\/a> Draft with the 30th pick. His draft rights were moved to the Nuggets, who invested JaMychal Green and a 2027 protected first-round pick in Watson as a rookie.<\/p>\n

Watson\u2019s first contract<\/a> was for four years, worth $11.2 million. He is currently playing on a $4.3 million player option.<\/p>\n

There will be a substantial increase in pay for Watson\u2019s services beginning in 2026-2027. He\u2019ll get it with Denver or somewhere else.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s unclear what Watson\u2019s market value could be at this time, but it\u2019s apparent that the Nuggets might have to make some moves to create room in order to keep Watson around for the long haul.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeyton Watson is going to be their guy that they are going to want to lock up for sure,\u201d Scotto stated. \u201cA younger guy on the rise that\u2019s going to get paid big bucks<\/a> this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Nuggets\n\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t