Nuggets' Latest Contract Offer to Peyton Watson Is a Slap in the Face

Nuggets' Latest Contract Offer to Peyton Watson Is a Slap in the Face This is why the Nuggets haven't come to terms on a new deal for their restricted free agent.

Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson talks to referee Jacyn Goble in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena.

Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectHowever, the newest batch of rumors surrounding Watson's recent offer from the Nuggets is certainly one to raise some eyebrows.

That's because it's not only way lower than the asking price that Watson has been hoping for, but also way lower than many would expect Denver to be offering their rising 23-year-old forward."The Nuggets have offered Watson, a restricted free agent, $70 million over five seasons, according to league sources who spoke toon condition of anonymity because the deal is not final," Jones wrote.

"Denver is attempting to move a contract or two to get back under the second apron and clear enough money to retain Watson, the league sources said." While the writing was on the wall for the Nuggets likely offering Watson a bit of a lower rate than his ask, considering that the two sides haven't come close to agreeing on a new offer, seeing that $14 million AAV number is certainly a bit surprising.

And if true, it becomes obvious as to why Watson isn't accepting the Nuggets' offer.

Because he's worth far more than that.That number puts Watson in the range of guys like Rui Hachimura, Obi Toppin, Bobby Portis, and Julian Champagnie.

Players who would be getting paid at least $1 million or higher than Watson on that contract include Nikola Jovic, Duncan Robinson, and John Collins.

Watson should be a step above those players when it comes to contractual value, no doubt about it.He's only 23, has shown that he's more than capable of being an impactful player on both ends for a winning roster,Mar 25, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena.

Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J.

Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Players in that archetype, in this current state of the NBA, should be worth upwards of a $20 million AAV.Add in the fact that Watson's only entering year five, potentially with more room to grow heading into next season, that value could be higher.

And it makes sense as to why the Nuggets are playing hardball on their next deal for Watson.

They're already in the second apron after paying Spencer Jones, will have a huge tax bill if they sign Watson without any other moves falling into place, and overall, it restricts the financial flexibility of the roster.But the Nuggets can't expect Watson to bend for their own financial situation.

He's worth more than what they're offering, and it's already been made clear that his representationled by Rich Paul and Klutch Sportsis more than happy to wait out the market to get what he's worth on that second contract,So, simply put, the Nuggets need to go back to the drawing board when it comes to finding a new and fair deal for Watson.A $70 million deal over five years just isn't going to cut it as an acceptable offer.

If anything, that five-year contract needs to be closer to $100 million in total value, which, to this point, seems pretty far off from what Denver is looking to pay out.