On Friday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Denver Nuggets are "unlikely to come to terms on a rookie-scale extension with Peyton Watson." Fischer cited the Nuggets' "tricky luxury tax situation" as a reason why (subscription required). Christian Braun is also eligible to sign an extension, and he's the team's priority.
At Denver's media day, Jon Tenzer expressed his hope that Braun and Watson are around for a long time, so the news from Fischer doesn't mean that the Nuggets are willing to let Watson go next summer. He'll become a restricted free agent, so Denver can match any offer sheet.
The Nuggets are expected to sign Braun to an extension in the $25 to $30 million range after his breakout 2024-25 season. Based on that figure, it's understandable why Denver will reportedly choose to extend only one of its two players from the 2022 NBA Draft class.
Nuggets reportedly won't extend Peyton Watson before Oct. 20 deadline
Watson, who turned 23 last month, has improved each season. He averaged a career-high 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 47.7% from the field and 35.3% from three. He started a career-high 18 of the 68 games he played, averaging 24.4 minutes per contest.
He did fine in the role he played last season, but it wasn't anything to write home about. Watson could be due for a somewhat breakout season of his own, though, as his name has popped up as someone who made a lot of progress over the offseason.
Big Val on Peyton Watson
— Duvalier Johnson (@DuvalierJohnson) October 2, 2025
Very aggressive and downhill. Initiated offense, talking on defense and working. pic.twitter.com/3dyEDa5gdo
Not signing an extension before the season could add more fuel to Watson's fire, but that doesn't mean he'll have any ill feelings towards the Nuggets for not extending him. He'll feel the pressure, but this is a prime chance for him to prove himself beyond his defense. One of Watson's biggest struggles is finishing at the rim, one of the things he worked on this summer.
Adelman on the difference he saw in Peyton Watson:
— Duvalier Johnson (@DuvalierJohnson) October 5, 2025
“Dunking the ball. Know it sounds stupid but taking it all the way to the rim.”
Went on to say that you can tell Peyton got stronger and you can see it in his balance. pic.twitter.com/CRfbXNYR0H
You don't want to put too much stock into preseason hype, but there's been so much said about Watson that it's hard not to. He could up his value this season, which would be great for him, and while it'd also benefit the Nuggets, Denver has to be more mindful than ever of its payroll.