Chaos in Denver: Team on the Brink Due to Ego? Jokic's "Robin" Rejects New Deal, Demands Over $125 Million!
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Peyton Watson is reportedly seeking a massive contract from the Denver Nuggets following an individually stellar past season, despite the Nuggets' overall disappointing performance.
According to renowned NBA insider Marc Stein, Watson aims for his next contract to surpass the five-year, $125 million extension Christian Braun signed with Denver last October.
- Initial offers from Denver for restricted free agent Peyton Watson, according to league sources, are in the range of $16 million to $18 million in average annual value, Stein reports, adding: - Watson, of course, is seeking a contract with a higher annual salary than teammate Christian Braun, who secured a five-year, $125 million extension last October.
Braun's average annual earnings stand at $25 million, creating a significant gap between Denver's offers and Watson's demands.
Watson Demands Significant Raise from Nuggets
Watson significantly bolstered his negotiating position during the 2025-26 season, achieving career highs of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game across 54 appearances.
The 23-year-old started 40 games, shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from three-point range, averaging 29.6 minutes per contest.
His two-way improvement has made him one of the most sought-after restricted free agents on the market. Denver still retains the right to match any offer Watson signs with another team.
With the two sides still far apart on a new deal, the Nuggets have reportedly lowered their demands in potential sign-and-trade negotiations.
Nuggets Lower Trade Demands
Conversely, according to Shams Charania of ESPN, Denver initially sought a package comparable to the Walker Kessler trade.
- But in a potential sign-and-trade, the Nuggets initially set a price this summer similar to that for Kessler: two first-round picks and two pick swaps, Charania stated.
Denver's demands have since been reduced to one high-caliber player and a single first-round pick.
- Now, as I understand the situation, the price is a really good, high-level player and a first-round pick.
Watson's restricted free agent status could remain unresolved until just before training camp, a situation Charania likened to Jonathan Kuminga's protracted negotiations last summer.
Currently, the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Atlanta Hawks are reportedly interested in Watson, with rumors also suggesting the Los Angeles Lakers might pursue him if his price drops further.
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