Lakers Target Could Force Nuggets to Trade Cam Johnson

Rival executives see Cam Johnson as a potential trade candidate due to Peyton Watson's upcoming free agency.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Denver Nuggets may need to trade forward Cam Johnson in order to retain restricted free agent Peyton Watson, who is reportedly on the Los Angeles Lakers' offseason radar. Watson is expected to receive offer sheets exceeding $20 million per year, and trading Johnson could allow the Nuggets to keep Watson while preserving cap flexibility.

Why it matters

This potential trade scenario highlights the difficult decisions NBA teams face when trying to retain key players while also managing their salary cap. The Nuggets will have to weigh the value of keeping both Johnson and Watson against the financial constraints they may face.

The details

Cam Johnson, who joined the Nuggets in the Michael Porter Jr. trade, is averaging 11.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season. Peyton Watson, a 23-year-old restricted free agent, is averaging 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in his fourth season with Denver. The Lakers are reportedly one of six teams interested in signing Watson this offseason.

  • Peyton Watson is expected to receive offer sheets exceeding $20 million per year this offseason.

The players

Cam Johnson

A 29-year-old forward who joined the Denver Nuggets in the Michael Porter Jr. trade.

Peyton Watson

A 23-year-old restricted free agent who is averaging 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Denver Nuggets.

Los Angeles Lakers

An NBA team that is reportedly one of six teams interested in signing Peyton Watson this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Rival executives see Cam Johnson as a potential trade candidate this offseason, largely because of Peyton Watson.”

— Evan Sidery, NBA reporter (basketnews.com)

The takeaway

This potential trade scenario highlights the difficult decisions NBA teams face when trying to retain key players while also managing their salary cap. The Nuggets will have to carefully weigh the value of keeping both Johnson and Watson against the financial constraints they may face.