​The Denver Nuggets have made minor moves in the offseason, signing Marvin Bagley to serve as the backup center to Nikola Jokic.They also added Alpha Diallo, who was the Euroleague Defender of the Year, but has never played in the NBA.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile there was a lot of chatter around the Nuggets and the moves they might make in the offseason, with Nuggets executive Josh Kroenke saying that “everything is on the table” outside of trading Jokic.Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson were rumored in trade talks, and even Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray had their names pop up in hypothetical trades.The biggest domino to fall will have to be Peyton Watson, who is currently a restricted free agent.Jake Fischer of the Stein Line newsletter reports that Watson’s agent Rich Paul is “not rushing” into a decision for his client, instead focusing on making sure he gets paid.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWatson is reportedly seeking $25 to $30 million per year.Watson averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 41% from three. He was injured on April 1, which caused him to miss Denver’s first round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Nuggets lost in six games.For the sake of comparison, Christian Braun signed a five-year, $125 million deal in October 2025 after he had a season where he averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 58% from the field and 39% from three.His numbers dropped this past season, when he averaged 12 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 51% from the field and 30% from three. That drop in production might give Denver pause in handing out a big contract based on one season of production.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWatson is a better defender, and though Braun played well in 2024-25 to earn his contract, he never had a stretch like Watson had when Jokic was injured. In the month without Jokic, Watson proved he could carry the offense, averaging 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game on 48% shooting from the field and 44% from three.The Nuggets don’t seem threatened by an offer sheet, so they don’t appear to be in a hurry to get a deal down, potentially hoping that Watson will drop his number or take more years.Watson’s side can continue to hold out for a potential offer sheet to force Denver’s hand or work out a sign-and-trade.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDenver may also be exploring other trades to feel better about the money they are about to give Watson in terms of their cap sheet and team fit.At some point, a deal will get done. It’s just a matter of time.