Peyton Watson is one of the top remaining trade candidates as the offseason dust starts to settle. Teams around the league are hoping to steal the Denver Nuggets' rising star via sign-and-trade, capitalizing on their financial crunch as the only team currently in the second apron.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Nuggets have reportedly lowered their asking price for Watson. Previously, it was an unreasonable two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps; now it's one "high-level player" and one first-round pick.
Blazers should acquire Peyton Watson as Nuggets lower asking price
That also aligns with what NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line, writing that Denver is seeking the "equivalent of at least two first-round picks in any sign-and-trade in which it loses Watson."
Portland didn't sacrifice any meaningful assets in its surprising trade for Ja Morant, meaning they could easily fulfill this lowered asking price if they want to. They absolutely should, considering how well Watson would fit their positional needs as well as the timeline of their young core at just 23 years old.
It could be similar to the Deni Avdija situation, where Portland pays what is initially perceived as a premium on a rising star who is just starting his upward trajectory. It likely wouldn't be to the extent of Avdija's star ascension. Still, the asking price is eerily similar to what the Blazers ultimately shipped to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Avdija.
It would be in Portland's best interest to at least explore a deal for Watson, as he's one of the best remaining trade candidates this offseason.
It remains to be seen whether the Blazers genuinely have interest, but if they do, they must act with more urgency than this relatively quiet offseason. For instance, Fischer added on The Stein Line that the Milwaukee Bucks are currently viewed as the "most likely external suitor" for Watson.
Bucks are currently the most likely landing spot for Peyton Watson
That would hurt not only in terms of Portland missing out on yet another talent this summer, but also with the ascending Watson improving the Bucks' immediate outlook.
The reason the Blazers should pursue Watson is that he would help straddle their two-timeline approach as someone who's already ready to contribute yet only continues to get better as he approaches his prime. That same thought process can apply to the Bucks, a team that is suddenly embracing a post-Giannis rebuild but also doesn't have control over their own draft future thanks to the Damian Lillard trade that backfired.
Watson makes perfect sense for the Bucks from that standpoint. Someone who can add to their young core since they don't have to worry about being too good for a top pick, especially following the NBA's overreaction to the league's tanking problem with drastic changes in the lottery odds.
It was already clear that the Blazers should try to steal Watson away given his ideal fit with their young core. But the fact that Milwaukee is currently the leading trade suitor should also give Portland even more reason to aggressively pursue a trade with Denver. Not only would they miss out on adding a much-needed piece to their young core, but they'd also diminish the value of the draft capital owed via Milwaukee in the process.
Hopefully, this gives the Blazers front office the wake-up call they need to make an offseason splash that actually improves their future outlook thanks to how well he fits the current roster.
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