One of the top remaining NBA restricted free agents found a new home Wednesday night as Peyton Watson was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a four-team deal.
In the trade, Watson was sent to the Cavaliers where he will reportedly sign a new four-year, $88 million deal that includes a player option and a trade kicker.
Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
In return, the Nuggets will receive an unprotected Cavaliers’ 2031 first-round pick and a Sacramento Kings’ 2032 second-round pick while the Los Angeles Clippers acquired Max Strus from Cleveland.
The Cavaliers also sent Tre Mann, the 2027 second-round pick they received from the Clippers and cash to the Washington Wizards for Cam Whitmore.
Another player who was dealt in Wednesday’s four-team trade was Julian Reese, the younger brother of WNBA star Angel Reese.
Julian Reese to be Waived by Nuggets After Peyton Watson Trade
Russell Lansford-Imagn Images
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Reese was sent from the Wizards to the Nuggets in Wednesday’s trade, and Denver will waive him from his two-way deal.
This is an unfortunate development for the 23-year-old big man as he will now become an unrestricted free agent.
Despite this, Reese may draw interest from multiple teams around the NBA in need of frontcourt depth, especially after his impressive showings last season in Washington despite his limited playing time.
Last season, the 23-year-old averaged 11.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 52.9% from the field over 13 games.
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
His production in limited minutes last season could make him an intriguing option for teams searching for frontcourt depth as Reese could provide them with a reliable inside scorer and rebounder, much like his All-Star sister in the WNBA.
Either way, it would not be a surprise to see multiple teams show interest in Reese following his release from the Nuggets as he could become an intriguing option for several in free agency ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
