As Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported earlier this week, the Milwaukee Bucks are the latest team interested in Peyton Watson, a move that would have to happen via a sign-and-trade. It'd require paying a hefty price, but that shouldn't deter the team from doing so, as the 21-year-old versatile wing is exactly the kind of player they need.
Denver is open to discussing a sign-and-trade, as first reported by The Athletic, but that doesn't mean the Nuggets want to lose him. Tony Jones, who writes for The Athletic, reported on Friday (subscription required) that the Nuggets believe "they are in a good spot to retain his services and just need to let the restricted-free-agency process play out."
Part of letting the restricted free-agency process play out should include hearing Milwaukee out on a potential deal. The Bucks can make that possible by making the Nuggets the kind of offer they're looking for, which, as Jake Fischer, also of The Stein Line, reported last week, Denver wants it to be comparable (subscription required) to what Utah got for Walker Kessler.
Should that keep the Bucks away? Absolutely not.
Peyton Watson is there for the taking (sort of)
Before the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, Milwaukee didn't have the assets to offer Denver in a potential deal for Watson. The Bucks now have unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a first-round pick swap in 2030, and a 2033 second-rounder from that trade.
If you need a refresher, the Lakers gave up two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps for Kessler.
Milwaukee is probably hesitant to make that kind of offer to Denver for Watson, losing two unprotected picks, but would one work? Or are the Bucks willing to go all-in with more than that?
They could be motivated by his potential, as he's coming off a career season where he averaged a career-high 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game, shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from three. Unfortunately, Watson's breakout year ended early with a second hamstring strain he suffered at the beginning of April.
Still, potential Watson suitors had seen everything they needed to see from him before then. He's the kind of player who can slide into the starting lineup for any team and be a force on both ends of the court. Even better, he can help contend for a title, something Milwaukee isn't in a position to do just yet, but could be in the near future, since it's not going through the rebuild most teams do after losing a star.
Watson is young, and can continue to grow with a Bucks team that is focused on their youth.
His talent alone is enough to make him expensive, but as a restricted free agent, it will cost even more for Milwaukee to pry him away. The Bucks can justify the cost, though, as quality two-way wings are top-shelf in today's NBA.
To make that dream possible, they'll need to act fast, as there is no telling how long things will drag out between Watson and Denver. It could end today, tomorrow, or nine weeks from today. If the Bucks are serious about landing him (as they should be), they may need to strike soon.
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