REPORT: Denver Nuggets Expected to Trade Key Rotation Player in Move to Reshape Roster
The Denver Nuggets enter the offseason facing a difficult balancing act, and it appears at least one notable rotation player could be on the move.
After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, Denver must address its financial situation while also finding a way to retain rising forward Peyton Watson. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, league sources believe the Nuggets could trade either Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun to create enough salary flexibility for a new Watson deal.
“The Nuggets have never been big spenders, which is why the belief around the league is that Cameron Johnson (on an expiring $23 million deal) or Christian Braun (on a five-year, $125 million extension signed in the fall) is likely to be moved to create enough room to give Watson something in the per-year range of those players,” Bontemps reported.
The Nuggets are expected to trade Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun, per @TimBontemps
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 29, 2026
“The Nuggets have never been big spenders, which is why the belief around the league is that Cameron Johnson (on an expiring $23 million deal) or Christian Braun (on a five-year, $125 million… pic.twitter.com/Zu8mxjsfbl
Analysts project the Nuggets will carry a payroll of roughly $214 million next season, leaving the team just below the second apron while front office executives still need to address Watson’s restricted free agency.
However, given Denver’s long-standing reluctance to carry massive tax bills, many around the league expect roster changes rather than a deeper financial commitment.
Watson’s breakout campaign only complicates matters. The 23-year-old averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Johnson remains a logical trade candidate after an underwhelming first season with the Nuggets. While league executives still view the veteran wing as a valuable 3-and-D player, his expiring $23 million contract could help Denver quickly create room.
Additionally, when it comes to Braun’s situation, the young guard signed a five-year, $125 million extension that begins next season. Moving that contract could prove difficult without attaching additional assets.
Denver Nuggets Feel Urgency To Re-Sign Peyton Watson
The Denver Nuggets enter the offseason with several financial questions to answer, but retaining Peyton Watson appears to be near the top of the list.
The challenge, however, is determining how much the rising forward will cost. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Watson could land a four-year, $90 million contract this summer. That would average $22.5 million annually, a figure that may actually be viewed as a bargain considering his growth during the 2025-26 campaign.
The 23-year-old emerged as one of Denver’s most important two-way players. He had a dominant January stretch in which he averaged 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Additionally, his performance earned him NBA Player of the Week honors and fueled speculation that his market value could climb even higher. Some projections have also suggested Watson could command closer to $30 million per season if rival teams believe his breakout is sustainable.
The Nuggets are already operating close to the second apron and would face additional financial penalties if they handed Watson a lucrative new deal. However, letting him leave would create a major hole in the roster around Jokic and Murray.
REPORT: Denver Nuggets Expected to Trade Key Rotation Player in Move to Reshape Roster
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