RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesDENVER , CO - MARCH 25: Peyton Watson (8) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to making a corner three pointer during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 142-135 win over the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are firmly in the mix for both Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson. Both forwards would be acquired via a sign-and-trade, with Max Strus and Dennis Schroder as the two players who Cleveland is willing to give up.
Strus ($16.6 million) is on an expiring contract that could be of interest for a team like the Denver Nuggets, who are trying to navigate a hefty payroll. Absorbing Strus, gaining his talents for a season, and then not having to pay him long-term is a benefit.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype says the Cavs have expanded their search for a wing by becoming more involved in Watson’s situation in Denver.
“The Cavaliers have recently called to express interest in a sign-and-trade for Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson , league sources told HoopsHype. The newfound interest in Watson comes on the heels of Cleveland also being in the mix for free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga in sign-and-trade discussions.”
Watson, an athletic 23-year-old forward, would fill one of Cleveland’s biggest needs. He has strong potential as a 3-and-D forward. He averaged 14.3 points per game last season on above 40% three-point shooting. That’s music to our ears.
Denver is reportedly asking for one notable player and at least one first-round pick for Watson. To this point, no suitor has been willing to offer a first-round pick to Denver. The Cavs have a 2031 pick they could put on the table.
If it were up to me, that’s a price worth paying.
Schroder ($14.8 million) still has another year left on his deal after this, worth $15 million. That’s an obstacle for a player who isn’t as highly valued around the league. Backup guards, especially undersized ones, aren’t garnering that much interest in today’s NBA. Schroder is still a helpful contributor nonetheless.
Cleveland has also shown interest in Atlanta’s Kuminga for most of the summer. The Cavs would dump either Strus or Schroder to make the deal financially possible. There haven’t been many updates on this front other than Atlanta still searching for a way to retain Kuminga despite interest from other teams.
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