​Nikola Jokic, Peyton Watson – Image © Imagn ImagesThe Denver Nuggets ended the Peyton Watson saga by trading him to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a sign-and-trade on Wednesday, prompting concern among the franchise’s fans. With this move, the roster around Nikola Jokic has downgraded yet again since Denver won the 2023 NBA championship.The Nuggets have had to let go of players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown (who returned last year on a minimum deal) when they were at their best.Watson became the latest player to join that list. At 23, he was Denver’s best young asset and its most versatile defender. Watson was also the most athletic player on the roster. However, the Nuggets couldn’t afford to keep him due to the second apron penalties.Denver also didn’t secure anything significant in return. They got a 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-round pick, along with two-way player Julian Reese, whom they waived upon acquiring. The Nuggets haven’t had an encouraging offseason outside this move, either.Their best signing is arguably Lonnie Walker IV, who is returning to the NBA after a one-year absence due to a lack of a roster spot. Meanwhile, the rest of the Western Conference has made significant moves, even if it’s just on the margins.Given how things have played out, Nuggets fans expressed concerns about Nikola Jokic’s motivation to stay in Denver long-term. While he’s committed to the franchise several times, this offseason has raised speculation.NBA analyst and reporter Matt Moore’s comments further fueled those doubts as he said:“I have maintained I will believe Jokic will re-sign because he’s always been honest in his comments, unlike other guys I’ve covered. But if you wanted to lose Jokic? This summer is how you do it for Denver.”Reacting to Moore’s comments, one fan said:“We losing Joker”More reactions followed.NBA reporter slams Nuggets ownership for losing team’s fourth-best player in Nikola Jokic’s primeSeveral analysts and fans alike slammed the Nuggets for how they handled the Peyton Watson situation. Most of them called out the ownership for not going all-in on Nikola Jokic’s prime and contending for a championship.NBA reporter Sam Quinn was among those who made strong statements on Denver’s decision-makers, saying:“The Nuggets have Nikola Jokic in his prime. It might be 50 years before they have someone this good again. They just traded, imo, their fourth-best player without getting a player back because the family that also owns the Rams, Avalanche and Arsenal was afraid of a huge tax bill.”Denver isn’t one of the NBA’s most attractive destinations and has never had a talent like Jokic before. Such players are hard to find, especially for a team that relies on drafting prospects and expecting them to flourish.All eyes will be on the 2027 offseason when Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets will negotiate a potential extension after the three-time MVP skipped those talks this yea