We're all taught to believe in ourselves and to try to get the most value we can from our work. Whether that's asking for a raise after you've gone above and beyond for some time, or perhaps you're seeking out a new employer who will pay you what you're looking for.
Peyton Watson is no different, but perhaps he should check out the body of work he's left behind instead of trying to get paid only on upside and the prospects that he can sustain the level of output he had for 15 games while the bosses were away.
Nuggets fans think the Nuggets' offer is a fair offer
Nuggets fans actually think the offer the Denver Nuggets are rumored to have made to the 23-year-old restricted free agent is pretty fair. Per the latest from Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required), the Nuggets have offered Watson a four-year, $70 million extension, with a team option for the fourth year. The offer is $7.5 million short per year of the $25 million average annual value that Watson is reportedly looking for,
But the key wording from Amick in his piece says, "falls well short of where he (Watson) sees his worth." Totally fair for Watson to believe in himself. If he believes in himself so much, he should take the qualifying offer for $6.5 million and go help lead the Nuggets to a championship, and cash in on the big extension after the 2026-27 season in free agency.
Yes, Watson did average 14.6 points on the season, more than Christian Braun's 12.0. But a bulk of the work was done over 15 games in January while Nikola Jokic was out, Braun was out, Aaron Gordon was working his way back but ended up getting hurt again, and Cameron Johnson was out.
The bosses were away, and Watson stepped in admirably. Someone had to for the Nuggets to win. But does that short run warrant a $25 million average annual value? Braun averaged 15.4 points and provided solid perimeter defense the year before he was rewarded with the large contract. Clearly, he had made a huge leap with the starting unit from the year prior. Yes, the Nuggets overpaid him, but he still showed a good body of work for that season.
The Nuggets are valuing Watson as a bench player
If you take a look at the $17.5 million per year and the Nuggets' salaries this season, Watson would be getting paid like the Sixth Man off the bench, as the Nuggets would probably use him unless injuries come back again. So the offer seems fair and good.
Watson is trying to get the most he can from the Nuggets, like he should. But, realistically, the Nuggets have made him a pretty good offer, all things considered. And if he truly believes he's worth that $25 million, he can take the QO and show the world that he is worth every penny.
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