The Los Angeles Lakers will have competition for free agent Peyton Watson this summer, and Michael Porter Jr. is predicting he goes to the Brooklyn Nets. Watson had a breakout season for the Denver Nuggets, but it appears Denver will be unable to keep him unless they shed salary via trades. The Nuggets must trade talented players for little to no salary in return if they want to retain Watson at market value.
Porter Jr. chimed in on Instagram today with the following post saying he wants and expects Watson to join him in Brooklyn:
“See you in Brooklyn soon man”
Rumors have been circulating all season that the Nets and Lakers both view Watson as one of the best potential free agents they can sign. Watson has been stifled in past seasons from showing his potential due to Denver having a strong roster contending for NBA Championships.
A bigger opportunity came for Watson this season with more injuries giving him a concrete rotation spot he never let go of. Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and the Chicago Bulls are currently the only three teams with major spending money to easily sign one or two free agents this summer.
Why Nets Have Better Chance At Watson Than Lakers
Former Nuggets teammate Porter playing for the Nets is one reason why Brooklyn would have a good chance at luring Watson, but they have other more important things working in their favor. Watson would easily become a starter and one of the core pieces moving forward for a rebuilding team hoping to win faster.
However, finances remain the most important thing that could help the Nets and hurt the Lakers. Rob Pelinka currently has more projected cap space this summer, but the Lakers must re-sign Austin Reaves to a long-term contract. LeBron James is also a free agent and has become more pivotal after the past few months of dominating.
The Lakers will also have to make decisions on Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Jaxson Hayes as free agents. Once they re-sign their ideal names, the money will be less than what the Nets and Bulls can offer. Watson will likely get his best financial offer from Brooklyn or another team.
Lakers Must Decide Between Current Roster Or Upgrades
Pelinka will have a lot of pressure on him to make the right decisions this summer to build a contending roster around Luka Doncic. Reaves is reportedly the most important piece, and the Lakers now clearly hope to keep James to end his career there.
The remaining cap space will be enough to either keep their own talents or sign one bigger name. Most expect the Lakers to prioritize depth with multiple wing players who can defend at a high level. Watson will have to settle for less money than the Nets to join Los Angeles.
Other free agents with less value would likely love to join the Lakers, and veterans would be more prone to take a pay cut for a chance to contend. Watson feels less likely for Lakers fans than during the middle of the season when the team struggled and seemed ready to take risks.
Lakers Get Bad Update On Signing Peyton Watson As Free Agent