Denver Nuggets open to trading two starters to make room for Peyton Watson

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Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

The Denver Nuggets are heading into an awkward offseason, with trade rumours now swirling around nearly every starter alongside Nikola Jokic.

Jamal Murray has already been mentioned as a potential trade candidate, while Aaron Gordon’s future is also in question due to Denver’s tax situation.

Now, Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson have entered the discussion, bringing Peyton Watson’s role with the team into sharper focus.

Nuggets could move Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun to clear space for Peyton Watson​

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Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post

There is a growing sense around the league that Denver could move Johnson or Braun to make room for Watson’s new deal, reports ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.

This is not just a financial decision. It is a sign of how much the Nuggets value Watson’s development, even if it means parting with an established starter.

Johnson, on an expiring $23 million contract, would be the easier salary to move. Braun’s situation is more complicated after his five-year, $125 million extension.

Watson averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season, and his athleticism fits well with what Denver want to build around Jokic.

That is why the Nuggets may see him as more than just a rotation player. He fits their push to get younger, quicker and more versatile.

But the financial side cannot be ignored. Denver have not operated like a free-spending team, and keeping Watson while maintaining the current core could push them into uncomfortable territory.

That is the trade-off. If Watson is part of Denver’s future plans, Braun or Johnson might end up being the cost of making it work.

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