Nuggets Aim to Re-Sign Peyton Watson, Cam Johnson Could Be Trade Bait

Denver's young forward Watson emerges as priority free agent, potentially leading to Suns' Johnson being shopped.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:29pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented basketball players and a ball, rendered in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the complex roster decisions facing the Nuggets.The Nuggets' potential trade of Cam Johnson could reshape the NBA landscape as they prioritize re-signing young star Peyton Watson.Denver Today

The Denver Nuggets are prioritizing re-signing forward Peyton Watson, who is having a breakout season, as one of their top restricted free agents this offseason. This could potentially lead to the Nuggets exploring trade options for Phoenix Suns forward Cam Johnson, as Denver looks to build around its young core.

Why it matters

The Nuggets' decision to re-sign Watson could have significant ripple effects across the NBA, as they may need to free up salary cap space by trading an established player like Johnson. This would impact both the Nuggets' and Suns' rosters and future plans.

The details

Watson, a 23-year-old forward, has emerged as a key contributor for the Nuggets this season, averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and minutes played. The Nuggets view him as a core part of their future and are prioritizing re-signing him as a restricted free agent. To create the necessary cap space, the Nuggets may explore trading Johnson, a 26-year-old forward who has been a valuable 3-and-D player for the Suns.

  • The 2026 NBA offseason begins on July 1, 2026.

The players

Peyton Watson

A 23-year-old forward for the Denver Nuggets who is having a breakout season and will be a top restricted free agent this offseason.

Cam Johnson

A 26-year-old forward for the Phoenix Suns who has been a valuable 3-and-D player, and could become a trade candidate for the Nuggets.

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What they’re saying

“Peyton Watson is having a breakout season and will be one of the top restricted free agents this offseason.”

— Michael Scotto, NBA Insider

What’s next

The Nuggets will need to determine if they can re-sign Watson while also keeping Johnson, or if they will need to explore trading Johnson to create the necessary cap space.

The takeaway

The Nuggets' decision to prioritize re-signing Watson could have significant implications for the Suns, as Denver may need to trade Johnson to free up salary cap space. This highlights the interconnected nature of roster decisions across the NBA.