If the Denver Nuggets want Peyton Watson back for the 2026-2027 NBA season and beyond, they might have some competition in free agency.
According to The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer, three teams can be seen as potential free agent suitors for the young veteran. Two of them shouldn’t be a surprise to the Nuggets, considering they likely received a trade call for them before the February deadline.
“League sources have already identified the Lakers, Bulls and Nets as potential suitors that are likely to have the requisite spending power to present an offer sheet that causes angst in the Rocky Mountains,” Fischer reported on Wednesday.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 19: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on March 19, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
“The Stein Line has learned, in fact, that both the Lakers and Bulls registered trade interest in Watson leading up to the in-season deadline for deals on Feb. 5, although it must be noted that Chicago’s front office will soon have a new lead voice after the recent ouster of former Nuggets executive Artūras Karnišovas.”
Will The Nuggets Stay Interested In Watson?
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – APRIL 10: Peyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates a dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on April 10, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
While the Nuggets are going to have to make some decisions on major extensions soon enough, they aren’t expected to cut ties with Watson easily.
Either Denver will make their own offer to the young rising star–or allow others to do it, knowing they can match whatever contract he agrees to.
The power is in Denver’s hands, but other teams can surely drive the price up to uncomfortable levels.
In 2022, Watson joined the Nuggets out of UCLA as a first-round selection. He didn’t have a steady role until his sophomore effort. Over the past four seasons, Watson has appeared in 225 games.
The veteran guard has produced 8.7 points per game, while shooting 47.9% from the field and hitting on 36.1% from deep. In 2025-2026, Watson averaged 14.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He made 41.1% of his threes.
GettyPeyton Watson #8 of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC.
The current playoff run for Denver hasn’t included Watson, who is dealing with a hamstring injury.
Playoffs or not, Watson is likely to be one of the top restricted free agents in the player pool come July. Denver has the power, but as interested suitors get revealed, they should expect the price tag to rise.