Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette reports that the Denver Nuggets have activated guard Peyton Watson’s third-year option. Watson’s salary for the 2024–25 season will be $2.4 million.
Christian Braun’s third-year option was also exercised by the Nuggets earlier this week.
For the Denver Nuggets, Peyton Watson could be ready for a breakthrough season
Watson seems to be prepared for his second professional season. In an attempt to improve his versatility on defense, the guard has put on 20 pounds of muscle in the last year, according to DNVR’s Harrison Wind.
“Peyton Watson put on 20 pounds of muscle over the last year: “Playing the 3 and the 4, having to guys like AG. I don’t need any help. I don’t need a double. I’m holding my own,” he said today.”
The Denver Nuggets have exercised Peyton Watson's third-year option worth $2.4 million, a league source tells me.
Can also confirm the Nuggets picked up Christian Braun's option, which @wojespn first reported last night.— Vinny Benedetto (@VBenedetto) October 11, 2023
Additionally, he arrived to training camp prepared to advance. The 21-year-old’s chat with star center Nikola Jokic was described in full by Wind. Watson approached the large guy in an effort to gain his confidence.
“You’re gonna have to do the things that nobody else wants to do,” Jokic said.
The young guard plans to remember Jokic’s straightforward reaction.
“I’ll never forget what he said to me and it’s something I’ll always keep with me,” Watson told Wind. “It’s coming from one of the greatest players ever to touch on basketball. He’s taken me under his wing. He wants the best for me and knows that I’m gonna have a big role this year.”
In his debut season with the Nuggets, Watson played in only 23 games. Given the departures of Bruce Brown and Jeff Green this summer, he may have much better opportunities in the following season.
