Cavaliers Land Peyton Watson on $88 Million Deal in 5-Team Trade, Sending 2031 First to Nuggets
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 20
Cavaliers Land Peyton Watson on $88 Million Deal in 5-Team Trade, Sending 2031 First to Nuggets
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 20
Summary
$88 million over four years for Peyton Watson anchored Cleveland’s five-team trade, which also brought in Cam Whitmore and sent Max Strus out to the Clippers.
Cleveland paid heavily because it saw a hole at small forward after its East finals sweep, and Watson’s 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 41.1% 3-point shooting fit that need.
Denver took back an unprotected 2031 first-round pick and Julian Reese, but the move was driven by second-apron pressure and still leaves the Nuggets about $2 million over that line.
James Harden also benefited: after opting out of a $42.3 million option, he now has a clearer path to re-sign with Cleveland for roughly $28 million annually.
The deal leaves Cleveland with few remaining trade tools, while the Clippers gained a movable wing in Strus and Whitmore is expected to be waived into free agency.