Sports News Report
League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Trades

Peyton Watson shines without Nikola Jokic in move to Cavaliers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 12:46 AM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Peyton Watson shines without Nikola Jokic in move to Cavaliers
Summary

Peyton Watson has joined the Cavaliers after a trade that sent Max Strus to Denver. Watson's performance without Nikola Jokic has been impressive, averaging 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game over the past season when Jokic was absent. In total, he averaged 14.6 points during 54 games last season. This acquisition bolsters the Cavaliers' lineup, putting them in contention in the Eastern Conference alongside Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Watson's contract is four years for $88 million, marking an upgrade for Cleveland.

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Yahoo Sports
Key Details
  • •Cavaliers trade Max Strus for Peyton Watson.
  • •Watson averaged 22.1 points without Jokic last season.
  • •Cavaliers eye Eastern Conference contention with new core.
  • •Watson signs four-year, $88 million contract with Cavaliers.
Latest Updates
  • 12:46 AMYahoo Sports — Peyton Watson's stats without Nikola Jokic are great news for Cavaliers fans
What they're saying
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The Cavs may not have gotten LeBron, but Watson is a great addition.

Related Teams & Leagues
Cleveland CavaliersDenver NuggetsNew York KnicksOklahoma City ThunderLos Angeles LakersSan Antonio SpursNBABasketball

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