New NBA Rumors on Latest Peyton Watson Sign-and-Trade Landing Spots Amid Clippers Buzz

As the Denver Nuggets approach the second apron and the cap restrictions that come with it, Peyton Watson's restricted free agency is turning into one of the biggest remaining storylines of the NBA offseason.

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Milwaukee Bucks are the latest team attempting to acquire Watson in a potential sign-and-trade deal with Denver.

It was reported last week by NBA insider Jake Fischer that the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks also had interest in a sign-and-trade for Watson, who is seeking a deal in the range of at least $25 million annually.

Fischer noted the Clippers "covet" Watson, but they haven't strongly considered the sign-and-trade path because Denver's asking price is "too steep" at this point.

The Athletic's Sam Amick reported on July 5 that the Nuggets planned to match any potential offer sheet to Watson, but they were also "very open" to sign-and-trade possibilities.

Milwaukee's interest in Watson comes after the club made a shocking move by agreeing to give Gary Trent Jr. a four-year, $64 million contract on Saturday.

The Bucks are also in the process of turning the page on the Giannis Antetokounmpo era after trading him to the Miami Heat.

Watson is coming off a breakout season with the Nuggets. The 23-year-old set career-highs in scoring average with 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 54 appearances. He also shot 41.1 percent from three on 3.6 attempts per contest.

The Nuggets' only free-agent signings thus far were bringing back Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III on minimum deals. They are currently $8.9 million under the second apron without Watson under contract.

Another potential option for Watson would be to sign the one-year RFA tender to remain with the Nuggets in 2026-27, then become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.