Expensive free agent move is absolutely worth it if Cavaliers act now

The Peyton Watson sign-and-trade saga has left the Cleveland Cavaliers' offseason once again frozen in time.

Stuck in the second apron since retaining Spencer Jones, the Denver Nuggets are using Watson's likely sign-and-trade to maneuver away from the dreaded luxury tax penalties. The Cavs have entered the fray for Watson, becoming a "serious candidate" for the 23-year-old ascending wing, per Dave McMenamin during a recent appearance on NBA Today.

Cleveland's major blockade from adding Watson comes from Denver's frustrating salary cap position. The Nuggets sit just $2 million above the second apron, but to complete a sign-and-trade, they must end the transaction below the second apron in order to complete the deal.

The Cavaliers do not have the salary space to add Watson without sending a contract in return, such as Max Strus or Dennis Schröder, making a complex, multi-team deal the only opportunity to add Watson. If Cleveland wants to steal Denver's 6-foot-8 two-way wing, the trade will be costly for all parties involved.

Watson is a perfect addition for the Cavaliers

The Cavs have spent every offseason and trade deadline since adding Donovan Mitchell in 2022 seeking a versatile big wing who can stabilize the starting lineup. Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, Max Strus and Jaylon Tyson have all taken a chance at the role, but Wade's exit this summer leaves Cleveland in desperate need for a player like Watson.

Last season, Watson emerged as Denver's best young talent. His efficient scoring and rising defensive talent showcased his promise as a winning player in the modern NBA. Placing Watson in wine and gold would be an obvious victory for a team embroiled in an endlessly stagnant search.

Convincing a third team to join the transaction not only means absorbing Schröder or Strus but also another salary exiting Denver. To compensate teams, the Cavaliers will almost certainly have to part with their limited draft capital, including first-round picks both to the Nuggets and a third franchise.

For Denver, dropping salary is a necessity, but the hopeful contender will also look to stay competitive. This could also push the Nuggets to demand a rotational player alongside financial relief and draft compensation. For the Cavs, that could force Sam Merrill to join the trade talks, removing Cleveland's most team-friendly contract from future negotiations.

Cleveland needs to make the all-in move for Watson

While the price is steep, the Cavaliers have no reason to be dissuaded. The Nuggets currently employ the best-possible player left for Cleveland's rotation. Watson presents a present and future solution to the Cavs' biggest roster flaw. He also provides a future core player in a post-James Harden future, entering his prime alongside Evan Mobley.

Trading Darius Garland last deadline for Harden immediately placed the Cavaliers into a win-now mode. Stepping back from adding a player perfectly fitting the team's needs out of fear for making another all-in move would only leave Cleveland unwillingly stuck in the same place they have sat for years, looking in from the outside of true title contention.

Harden's patience in signing a new contract with Cleveland has granted the Cavs the gift of financial flexibility that has become increasingly fickle under the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement. Watson is the best option left after LeBron James' arrival to the Philadelphia 76ers.

If a Watson deal requires draining their draft stock or including Sam Merrill, the Cavaliers still have every reason to make the trade. Entering next season with Watson, Tyson and Mario Hezonja filling the wing minutes gives the Cavs a more dynamic rotation than what has been available over recent seasons. Epsecially if the Cavaliers can keep Strus and move Dennis instead, Cleveland's wing depth could rival the league's best.

Finding a bargain deal for Watson is not necessary for the Cleveland Cavaliers to be winners of the offseason. With four All-Star talents and a handful of high-end role players off the bench, adding Watson could be the final core piece necessary to a Finals run. Despite major roster overhauls at the deadline, the Cavs reached the Eastern Conference Finals in the playoffs. Growing timid in pursuit of Watson would only serve to diminish that accomplishment.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow