The Denver Nuggets and Peyton Watson remain far apart in extension discussions as suitors like the Milwaukee Bucks lurk. Per the latest from NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), Denver has offered Watson around $16-18 million annually on his next deal, while the forward is looking to earn around $25 million. If this standoff persists, the Bucks could swoop in.
Bucks' trade exeption makes them a fascinating name here
There is a reason insider Jake Fischer (subscription required) reported that the Bucks are viewed as the likeliest external suitor to land Watson this summer. In addition to having an assortment of draft capital to satisfy the Nuggets in a sign-and-trade, they also have a sizeable trade exception worth around $25 million from the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal that could be used on Watson.
If Watson and the Nuggets remain so far apart in contract talks, it would make plenty of sense for the forward to shift his attention to Milwaukee. Get paid and carve out the biggest role of your career. It's everything a young player could want. Now, it's unclear if the Bucks are offering Watson his desired $25 million annual salary outright, but given their intensifying interest, it would be reasonable.
Bucks can play the long game in ongoing Watson chase
The Nuggets are scrambling to navigate their financial restraints this summer. After matching an offer sheet for Spencer Jones, they are in the second apron. They've tried shedding hefty salaries for key rotational players like Christian Braun and Cam Johnson to clear room, but as evidenced by them still being on the payroll, the Nuggets may be stuck with them for now.
Milwaukee is in a great position to land the forward. That trade exception isn't going anywhere. They are just waiting as the Nuggets continue lowballing their potential-filled forward. The more this drags on, the more desirable a team like Milwaukee will become to Watson, who is likely growing tired of this standstill each and every day.
The Nuggets certainly aren't out of this race entirely, as they could find a way to up their current offer. However, the two sides simply aren't even close at this moment as the Bucks linger in the background as a realistic suitor to nab Watson. With ESPN's Shams Charania reporting that the Nuggets have also lowered their asking price for the forward, Milwaukee's odds just keep getting stronger.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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