The Denver Nuggets have been fairly quiet this offseason mainly due to financial constraints.
The Nuggets initially hoped to retain Peyton Watson, who was a restricted free agent. But after Watson turned down the team’s offer, he was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a sign-and-trade.
The deal also involved the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Clippers, with the Nuggets only receiving a 2031 first-round pick, a 2032 second-round pick and forward Julian Reese, who was waived from his two-way contract.
Another Denver Nuggets Champion Linked to Cavaliers
GettyBruce Brown #11 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates a play against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half at Ball Arena on January 11, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
After Peyton Watson’s trade, another member of the 2023 Denver Nuggets championship team has been linked to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Speaking on the Scarlet to the Land podcast, Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com revealed that the Cavaliers could have an interest in adding Bruce Brown Jr.
“I heard veteran free agent Bruce Brown mentioned in connection to the Cavs,” Pluto said.
The Cavaliers also acquired Cam Whitmore from the Washington Wizards in the Watson deal, but they aren’t expected to retain his services. If Whitmore gets released, there will be an open roster spot for the Cavaliers to sign Brown.
The 30-year-old guard returned to the Nuggets last summer, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steal per game. He played in all 82 games, but he was unable to have the same impact that he had when they won the title in 2023.
Denver Nuggets Add DeMar DeRozan
GettyDeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets in the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 16, 2024 in Sacramento, California.
Once the Denver Nuggets completed the Peyton Watson trade, they agreed to sign veteran forward DeMar DeRozan to a one-year contract. DeRozan isn’t necessarily the same player as Watson, but he provides scoring and playmaking off the bench.
That possibly spelled doom for Bruce Brown Jr.’s second tenure in Denver since DeRozan appears to be an upgrade. However, Brown is better defensively, though the Nuggets are expected to rely on Spencer Jones to make another jump after signing a new two-year contract.
Jones is also not the same player as Watson, but he showed he can be a pest on defense. He could stretch the floor and filled in admirably when Watson, Cameron Johnson and Aaron Gordon went down with injuries last season.
Another player who could fill in for Brown and Watson is Alpha Diallo. The Nuggets brought in the EuroLeague veteran on a one-year deal. Diallo was named Best EuroLeague defender this past season.
In addition to re-signing Jones and adding Diallo and DeRozan, the Nuggets also brought back Tyus Jones as their primary backup point guard. They also signed Lonnie Walker IV, who could compete for a roster at training camp.
Jonas Valanciunas was also waived, with Marvin Bagley III replacing him on the roster. It’s going to be an interesting offseason in Denver, especially after Nikola Jokic didn’t sign an extension.
Another Denver Nuggets Champion Linked to Cleveland Cavaliers Move