For the second offseason in a row, the Brooklyn Nets could place some pressure on the Denver Nuggets. This time around, it might be over the 23-year-old Peyton Watson.
In a rundown of 2026 NBA Free Agency predictions, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes is confident that the Nets will tender an offer sheet in the restricted free agency market.
Four players were marked as “should be on notice.” Watson is on the list.
Nuggets’ Peyton Watson Could Land Pressure-Filled Offer From East Team
“The Nets project to have as much as $47.9 million in room under the cap and are enough of a blank slate to regroup if another team matches their offer sheet.
Worst case, Brooklyn can adopt backup plans like using its flexibility to absorb salary via trade or taking its pick in a market environment that should feature lots of bargains for teams capable of spending above the midlevel.” via BR
Last offseason, the Nuggets and the Nets struck a trade to swap veteran forwards.
On July 8, 2025, the Nuggets acquired Cam Johnson in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick. Johnson was supposed to be a notable upgrade over Porter. The ex-Nuggets draft pick ended up having a stronger season in Brooklyn.
Heading into the 2026 free agency period, Johnson is viewed as a potential parting candidate on the Nuggets.
The Nets can apply even more pressure on the Nuggets this offseason by driving up Peyton Watson’s price. It’s no secret the Nuggets want to keep their homegrown first-rounder in Colorado, but they’ll have a limit.
Being in a rebuild, the Nets have the financial freedom to win a bidding war, and the 23-year-old fits the timeline. Denver has the power to match any deal and keep Watson around no matter what, but their price point has a ceiling.
Peyton Watson’s Nuggets Career
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.
Coming out of UCLA in 2022, Watson was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 30th overall pick in the NBA Draft. The former five-star recruit was traded to the Nuggets in exchange for a future protected first-round pick and JaMychal Green.
As a rookie, Watson appeared in 23 games for the Nuggets. By year two (2023-2024), he appeared in 80 games as a bench contributor. Watson averaged 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
In 2024-2025, Watson started 18 of the 68 games he played. He shot 35.3% from three, while producing 8.1 points per game.
The 2025-2026 season was Watson’s best, statistically. He made 41.1% from three, and averaged 14.6 points per game. The fourth-year veteran started 40 games.
The biggest concern for Watson was his injuries. He played in just 54 games during the regular season. Getting injured late in the year, he was ruled out for the entire playoff run. Despite the lack of availability, Watson remains one of the Nuggets’ top players.
Denver Nuggets Before Free Agency
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 30: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets walks off the court after being defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-98 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 30, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
When it comes to total salary, the Nuggets were just outside of the top 10 in the NBA at No. 11. They are slated to dish out $212.07 million for 2026-2027, according to HoopsHype.
Nikola Jokic will make nearly $60 million for 2025-2027. Jamal Murray is on the books for $50.10 million. Aaron Gordon is set for $33.65 million, while Cam Johnson and Christian Braun will each earn over $20 million.
Brooklyn Nets Right Now
GettyMichael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. 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 Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
The Nets are a long way from their superteam days, when they held championship expectations for several seasons.
At this stage, the Nets are trying to turn their young core into a playoff contender in the near future. While Watson will get a look from playoff-ready teams, he could be an intriguing core guy to build around in Brooklyn.
Plus, if the Nets intend to keep Porter, who seems to enjoy his standing with the franchise, Watson could be more than open to the move. The former teammates have been supportive of each other since Porter’s move to New York.
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