The Denver Nuggets are currently locked into a stalemate in their negotiation process with restricted free agent Peyton Watson. They hope to retain the budding young star, but if they can't reach an agreement with Watson, they're at least making sure to help the future of the franchise out via Watson and a sign-and-trade. Either way, Watson should be helping to shape the Nuggets' future.
The latest from The Stein Line (subscription required) and Jake Fischer still says that the Nuggets are looking to receive at least two first-round picks for Watson. Fischer also says that the Milwaukee Bucks are the "most likely external suitor" to make a run at Watson.
The Nuggets don't have any tradable first-round picks, and it would be a massive failure if they didn't restock the cupboard if Watson were to leave. But if he doesn't leave Denver seeking greener pastures and instead extends with the Nuggets, he'll be helping to shape the future. Even if he signs the qualifying offer that has been extended to him, the Nuggets should be looking for an alternative during the season to get something for Watson.
The Nuggets need to get all that they can for Watson
Marc Stein reported that the Nuggets offered Watson a four-year, $70 million extension. Watson wants something closer to $100 million for four years, an average value of $25 million per year, and closer to the contract that the Nuggets signed Christian Braun to last season. With both sides far apart, it became clear that a sign-and-trade could be a viable option.
The Nuggets are wise to ask for two future first-round picks in return. Losing a potential starter or key reserve whom you traded a future first-round pick to trade up for needs to get some kind of compensation back. The Nuggets invested in the future, and they need to keep reinvesting into the future. Letting Watson get out of town for nothing would be a terrible choice.
What about Watson signing the qualifying offer?
If Watson takes the bet on himself and signs the qualifying offer, the Nuggets need to trade him during the season for a first-round pick. He would become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and after this debacle of the Nuggets strong-arming Watson into taking a lesser offer, they would probably run him out of town next summer.
Either way, whether the Nuggets trade Watson for picks or retain him on an extension, he'll help shape the Nuggets' future.
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