The Denver Nuggets' offseason is well underway, and the trade speculation and free agent thoughts are coming out left and right. Among the free agent thoughts are who the Nuggets should be targeting league-wide, but they have two free agents they should be prioritizing based on roster needs that they need to fill. Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones should be top priorities for the Nuggets this offseason.
They both have the positives that the Nuggets are looking for, so it just makes sense that these two should be in a Nuggets jersey next year.
Peyton Watson should be priority number one for the Nuggets
Watson showed a sustained outburst in his offensive potential when he was thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. In his fourth start of the season, Watson dropped 32 points, and he had a career-high 35 points against the Wizards in January, the month he really took off. Watson averaged 21.9 points for the month and even took home a Player of the Week award.
But it's the athleticism and perimeter defense that sets Watson apart. The Nuggets were exposed for a lack of both against the Timberwolves, mainly because Watson missed the entire series with a hamstring injury. Had he been on the court, it would have been a literal game-changer for the Nuggets, on both ends.
Even if his contract ends up being in the neighborhood of Christian Braun's five-year, $125 million, the Nuggets need to figure out a way to bring P-Wat back. At least they have the final say on matching the restricted free agents' offer.
Spencer Jones makes too much sense for the Nuggets
Jones started the season on the Nuggets bench as a two-way player and ended the season starting and excelling in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jones scored 20 points in Game 5, and he tacked on 3 steals and 3 blocks, showing his defensive acumen. Plus, he shot 39.6% from three on the year, showing he's a capable 3-and-D wing or small big-man in a small-ball lineup.
Jones will also be the perfect price for the Nuggets. He's a restricted free agent as well, but he'll likely only cost the Nuggets the minimum. This would be a tremendous value for someone with the hustle and flexibility that Jones showed throughout the year.
Both players fill the needs the Nuggets have, and both should be priorities over outside free agents first. We hope to see both back in Nuggets uniforms next year.