Report: Nuggets offer Peyton Watson 5-year, $70M deal

Jan 22, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (8) attempts a dunk over Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) during the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images The Denver Nuggets have offered restricted free agent Peyton Watson a five-year, $70 million contract, The Athletic reported Tuesday. The Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers have expressed interest in acquiring the 23-year-old forward in sign-and-trade deals, per the report. Watson averaged a career-high 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists and shot 41.1% from 3-point range in 54 games (40 starts) in 2025-26, his fourth season with the Nuggets. He has averaged 8.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 225 career games (64 starts) since being acquired at the 2022 NBA Draft from the Oklahoma City Thunder, who picked him 30th overall. --Field Level Media