Fans can't watch Peyton Watson ball out in peace, not after the Denver Nuggets didn't extend him before October's deadline. It's impossible for the rest of the NBA to ignore the 23-year-old's breakout season, but it's also impossible for fans to ignore what is to come for Watson — restricted free agency. Yes, the team will be able to match any offer sheet he gets, but can they afford to?
Denver's decision to pay Christian Braun over Watson hasn't aged well, but the former has played in only 14 games this season due to an ankle sprain that kept him out for almost two months. He's missed the past few games with another ankle sprain. He hasn't been able to get into any flow, but Watson sure has.
In every game that Watson and the Nuggets play, his price tag goes up. Rich Paul, his agent, is keeping tabs, preparing to secure a payday for his client.
The forward was just named the Western Conference Player of the Week, which might not seem like a significant honor, but it certainly is, especially for Watson amid his "prove-it" campaign. Also, it's worth noting that Jamal Murray was named conference player of the week for the first time this season, too. Paul Millsap is the only other Nikola Jokić teammate to have received the same honor, so, yes, it is a big deal.
While it's been great watching Watson step up and help keep Denver at the top of the standings, it feels like he already has one foot out the door.
Peyton Watson is setting himself up for a payday
Denver didn't have much of a choice but to give Watson a green light as the injuries continued to pile up. He took that opportunity and ran with it. This month alone, Watson is averaging 23.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game, shooting 51.5% from the field, 47.6% from three, and 74% from the free throw line.
The Nuggets have a 5-3 record in January and are 6-3 overall since Jokić was injured at the end of December. During that span, Watson has recorded two of the only three 30+ point games in his career. He's a big part of why Denver is doing better than anyone thought without its superstar.
Watson isn't just a good defender off the bench who gets the crowd out of their seats with his blocks and dunks. He's not just a 3-and-D guy either, which isn't a bad reputation to have in the NBA. His on-ball creation itself has been miraculous to watch. He's unlocked a version of himself that maybe even Nuggets fans didn't know existed. He looks like a true two-way star.
Denver didn't want to enter the second apron with a Watson extension, and avoiding the second apron is something that the front office should do at all costs. They also can't let Watson go, not with the way that he's been playing, but they also can't pretend the CBA doesn't exist, either. It's not as simple as paying him, but also, that's what they should do. You see the issue.
Hopefully, this isn't Watson setting himself up for a nice payday elsewhere, but that's what it feels like.