New NBA Rumors on 'Serious Candidates' to Land Peyton Watson amid Nuggets Contract Standoff

There are reportedly several potential landing spots for restricted free agent Peyton Watson if he ultimately doesn't return to the Denver Nuggets.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the "serious candidates" to add Watson are the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks.

It is "unclear" whether the Clippers' pending trade of star Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors will impact their pursuit of Watson, per McMenamin.

Watson remains a restricted free agent despite the Nuggets offering him a five-year deal worth $70 million, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic.

A change of scenery could be on the horizon, though.

ESPN's Shams Charania previously reported that Denver is open to sign-and-trade scenarios involving Watson and would consider a package built around one "impact player" and one first-round pick (h/t McMenamin).

The 23-year-old is coming off a breakout 2025-26 season, averaging a career-high 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds to go along with 2.1 assists per game. He shot 49.1 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three-point territory.

It's worth noting that he only appeared in 54 games due to a hamstring injury, which also sidelined him during Denver's postseason run.

The Hawks are coming off a 46-36 finish during their 2025-26 campaign, making a first-round playoff appearance. Watson's two-way impact makes him an intriguing fit alongside Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels and offseason addition Lu Dort.

Cleveland heavily pursued LeBron James in free agency, although he ultimately chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers. As the Cavs look to add a different forward, they might acquire Watson.

The Bucks are pivoting in a younger direction after sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster trade on June 22. Watson's age could allow him to grow alongside a young core in Milwaukee that includes Brayden Burries, Kel'el Ware and Nate Ament.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles may bring in Watson as Leonard's replacement if the deal with Toronto is completed and pair him alongside Darius Garland and Keaton Wagler.