The Los Angeles Clippers could potentially expand their Kawhi Leonard trade to include Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson, according to Jake Fischer. The structure could allow the Clippers to complete a sign-and-trade for Watson while giving Denver more flexibility under the NBA’s second-apron restrictions.
“With Watson, I still hear the Clippers are very much in pursuit and would like to figure out some type of sign and trade with Denver,” Fischer said. “I also think Peyton Watson’s sign and trade developments could really also be somewhat on hold by the Kawhi Leonard situation.”
Leonard’s trade from Los Angeles to the Toronto Raptors remains tied to an NBA investigation into potential salary-cap circumvention. The Clippers agreed to send Leonard to Toronto for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a 2027 pick swap and two second-round selections, but the transaction has yet to receive final clearance.
Fischer reported that the Clippers could potentially incorporate Watson’s sign-and-trade into the Leonard transaction if the Leonard deal is ratified. Such a structure could allow Los Angeles to avoid immediately sending matching salary to Denver, while the Nuggets would have to account for every dollar carefully because of their second-apron position.
“I was talking to one cap strategist today where they were mentioning that the Clippers, in theory, could spin a Peyton Watson sign-in trade into the Kawhi Leonard deal,” Fischer said. “That could allow them some greater flexibility in not having to send salary back to Denver immediately.”
Watson, 23, has developed steadily during his four seasons with Denver. He averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks in 54 games during the 2025-26 season, starting 40 times while playing 29.6 minutes per game.
His shooting also took a significant step forward. Watson shot 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from three-point range on 3.6 attempts per game, compared with 35.3% from deep on 2.0 attempts per game in 2024-25.
The Clippers’ interest in Watson fits their post-Leonard roster transition. After finishing 42-40 and ninth in the Western Conference, Los Angeles has shifted toward a younger roster built around Darius Garland, Ingram and No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler while accumulating future draft assets.
Denver, meanwhile, would face a more complicated financial calculation if Watson leaves through a sign-and-trade. Watson’s restricted free-agent status gives the Nuggets the ability to match an offer, but the structure of any transaction must account for the team’s second-apron limitations.
Fischer also noted that Milwaukee remains involved in Watson’s situation, while Atlanta has previously shown interest but does not currently appear to be a major factor. The Clippers’ pursuit could ultimately depend on the outcome and timing of the Leonard investigation.
