With the NBA’s summer transaction cycle just about concluded, the Nuggets’ front office must turn to their own internal affairs, like contract extensions. First-round rookies from the 2022 draft class are extension eligible, which means Denver can work out long-term deals with Christian Braun and Peyton Watson.
The problem is that with Denver’s loaded roster locked in, they are only going to be about $27 million below the second apron next offseason, and that’s assuming they don’t pick up Jonas Valanciunas’ option or add any other salary.
But with Braun taking precedence and likely commanding over $20 million a year, and the Nuggets almost certain to stay below the second apron, that doesn’t leave a lot of options for Watson.