Denver Nuggets make key decision on promising guard’s future

According to the Denver Gazette’s Vinny Benedetto, the Denver Nuggets exercised the third-year option for sophomore guard Peyton Watson. Watson will make $2.4 million in the 2024-25 season.

The Nuggets also picked up the third-year option for Christian Braun, earlier this week.

Peyton Watson could be primed for a breakout year for the Denver Nuggets

By all accounts, Watson is ready for his second season as a pro. Last week, DNVR’s Harrison Wind reported that the guard had added 20 pounds of muscle over the last year, in an effort to become more versatile on the defensive end.

“Peyton Watson put on 20 pounds of muscle over the last year: “Playing the 3 and the 4, having to guys like AG. I don’t need any help. I don’t need a double. I’m holding my own,” he said today.”

He also showed up to training camp ready to improve. Wind detailed a conversation that the 21-year-old had with star center Nikola Jokic. Watson approached the big man looking to earn his trust.

“You’re gonna have to do the things that nobody else wants to do,” Jokic responded.

Jokic’s simple response is something that the promising guard intends to hold on to.

“I’ll never forget what he said to me and it’s something I’ll always keep with me,” Watson told Wind. “It’s coming from one of the greatest players ever to touch on basketball. He’s taken me under his wing. He wants the best for me and knows that I’m gonna have a big role this year.”

Watson appeared in just 23 games for the Nuggets last year as a rookie. The upcoming season could be far more fruitful for him in terms of opportunity, after the exits of both Bruce Brown and Jeff Green this offseason.