Nuggets trade Peyton Watson to Cavaliers, raise questions about Jokić's future

The Denver Nuggets traded Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a $88 million sign-and-trade deal on August 21, 2026, receiving two future draft picks in return. As a result, the Nuggets lost another key member from their 2023 championship team, raising concerns about retaining Nikola Jokić, who becomes a free agent next summer. The organization faces tightening roster-building restrictions due to the NBA's second apron rules, prompting questions about their strategy moving forward. While the Nuggets aim to create financial flexibility, the loss of Watson signals potential challenges in maintaining a competitive roster.

• 6:18 PMCBS NBA — The Nuggets are daring Nikola Jokić to leave after a listless summer