Nuggets Eye Three Free Agents After Watson Departure
Source: SI NBA. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The Denver Nuggets made the difficult decision to part with Peyton Watson, sending the 23-year-old wing to the Cleveland Cavaliers via a sign-and-trade. It was a move the franchise felt compelled to make, even as fans clamored to keep him. The financial math was brutal: matching the four-year, $88 million deal Cleveland offered would have buried Denver in a historic luxury tax bill. With their payroll already ballooning around Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets chose fiscal prudence over sentiment. But the cost is clear—they lose a versatile, energetic defender and a developing offensive player who could have been a key piece for a 2027 championship run.
Now, Denver faces a roster crunch. They have two open spots (not counting Lonnie Walker IV's training camp deal) and can only offer veteran minimum contracts. The front office must scour the free-agent market for players willing to accept that financial reality. Here are three candidates who should be on their radar.
**DeMar DeRozan**
The most obvious name is DeMar DeRozan. The 37-year-old scorer was waived by the Sacramento Kings in early July and has been waiting for a deal that pays more than the minimum. The Nuggets hope he is willing to take less for a chance to compete for a title. Last season, his 17th in the league, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 49.7% from the floor. He still creates his own shot with signature mid-range efficiency. However, he would need to accept a bench role for the first time in his career. That transition could be tricky, but at this stage, joining a contender like Denver might be his best path to meaningful postseason basketball. DeRozan is not a direct replacement for Watson—he offers little defense and lacks the same athleticism—but his scoring punch off the bench would be invaluable.
**Bruce Brown**
Will the cowboy ride back to Denver? Bruce Brown spent last season with the Nuggets on a one-year veteran minimum deal, returning to the franchise he helped win the 2023 NBA Finals. Now a free agent again, the 30-year-old guard is a logical target. In 82 games last season, he averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steal, shooting 47.5% from the field and 38.5% from three. His durability was impressive—he was one of only three Nuggets to play more than 65 games. Brown is not a star, but he brings energy, two-way versatility, and a willingness to do the dirty work. He knows the system and the city. For a team needing guard depth, he is a low-risk, high-reward option. The question is whether Brown wants a bigger role elsewhere or values a return to a familiar winning environment.
**Brandon Williams**
Brandon Williams is a surprising name still on the market. The 26-year-old point guard enjoyed a breakout season with the Dallas Mavericks, posting 13.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 0.9 steals in 22.2 minutes per game. His ability to pressure the rim and create plays is among the best for backup guards. But his three-point shooting is a glaring weakness—23.2% on 2.3 attempts per game last season. That could be a problem in Denver's offense, which thrives on spacing around Jokic. Still, the Nuggets cannot rely on Tyus Jones and two-way player KJ Simpson as their only backup point guards. Williams offers a dynamic change of pace. If he accepts a minimum deal, he would be an intriguing addition to the backcourt rotation.
The Nuggets have limited flexibility, but these three players represent different paths to shoring up the roster. Each comes with trade-offs, but in a capped-out market, Denver must make the most of every dollar.
Article commentary
The Denver Nuggets' decision to trade Peyton Watson was a classic case of championship windows clashing with financial reality. Watson, at 23, represented the future—a long, athletic wing who could develop into a two-way contributor. But the NBA's luxury tax system punishes teams that push too far into the red, especially for a mid-market franchise like Denver. By avoiding the $88 million commitment, the Nuggets preserved some flexibility, but they also signaled that they are prioritizing the present over the long term. That is a reasonable gamble when you have Nikola Jokic in his prime, but it also puts immense pressure on the front office to find bargain-bin contributors. DeMar DeRozan is the most glamorous name, but he is a poor fit for what Denver needs. The Nuggets already have plenty of scoring from their starting five. What they lack is perimeter defense and athleticism on the wings—the exact attributes Watson provided. DeRozan is a defensive liability and a ball-dominant player who would clutter the second unit. His willingness to come off the bench is admirable, but at 37, his minutes need to be managed carefully. He could be a late-game clutch option, but relying on him as a primary backup would be a mistake. Bruce Brown is the safer bet. He knows the system, plays hard on both ends, and has proven he can thrive alongside Jokic. His three-point shooting improved last season, and his versatility allows him to guard multiple positions. The concern is that Brown may have priced himself out of a minimum deal after a solid season. If he wants to return to Denver, the Nuggets should jump at the chance. But if he seeks a larger role or more money, they may have to look elsewhere. Brandon Williams is the wild card. His scoring ability is real, but his lack of shooting could be a deal-breaker in a Jokic-centric offense that needs floor spacers. The Nuggets already have Tyus Jones, who is a steady but unspectacular point guard. Adding Williams would create a logjam of small guards who cannot defend or shoot consistently. That said, his ability to break down defenses off the dribble could be useful in certain matchups. He is young and cheap, making him a low-risk flier. Ultimately, the Nuggets' championship window is narrowing. The Western Conference is loaded with talent, and Denver's depth has been a persistent issue. Losing Watson without a clear replacement hurts. But the team's financial constraints are real. The front office must be creative and opportunistic. If they can land one of these three on a minimum deal, they will have patched a hole. But expecting a single signing to solve all their problems is unrealistic. Denver needs multiple contributors to step up, and the margin for error is razor-thin. The next few weeks will determine whether they can keep their title hopes alive or slip into the pack of also-rans.