The Cost of Keeping Watson
Denver just signed veteran guard Lonnie Walker IV to fill a bench spot. That simple move might cost the Nuggets over $120 million in luxury tax payments. The math is brutal for a team already in the second apron. Keeping Peyton Watson on his $6.5 million qualifying offer would push that tax bill past the $120 million mark. The numbers show the Nuggets have a real problem. They cannot keep Watson and pay this new tax bill without a massive trade.
The Bulls Have Room to Move
Chicago has more flexibility than Denver right now. The Bulls need a long-term play on the wing. Watson fits that need perfectly. He averaged career highs in points, rebounds, and assists last year. He shot 41.1 percent from three-point range. Those are the stats of a player who belongs on a contender. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Denver lowered their asking price. In a sign-and-trade deal, they now seek merely a first-round pick alongside a “notable player”. The Bulls can make that work.
Why Denver Must Sell
The situation in Denver has changed fast. They lost Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency, so they brought in Walker. Walker is a seven-year veteran who has played 342 games. But his salary adds up fast. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints noted that the Walker signing alone costs at least $12 million in tax. Add Watson to that, and the total blows up. The Nuggets also matched an offer sheet for Spencer Jones. Now Watson’s spot looks shaky. He reportedly has a $70 million offer over five years on the table. That is only $14 million a year, which is less than he wants. The Bulls can offer more money. They can offer a better path to minutes.
What This Means for Chicago
Bulls executive VP Bryson Graham has made smart calls this summer. This is another chance to prove it. Adding Watson would be a step in the right direction. The Bucks, Clippers, Hawks, and Cavaliers are all interested. But Chicago has the cap space to match the $70 million offer. They have the draft picks Denver wants. This is not a maybe anymore. The Nuggets moved to save their own skin, and that move handed the Bulls the keys. The team needs to insert themselves into the bidding now. Waiting any longer could let another team steal this player. The window is open because Denver cannot afford to keep him.
