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The Denver Nuggets continue to be in a standoff with restricted free agent Peyton Watson despite the 23-year-old enjoying a breakthrough campaign that saw him average 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Watson is reportedly seeking a contract worth $20M–$28M annually, and it now seems Denver may also have an issue with how he approached his return from injury during the first round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. Per Anthony Slater, “part of the belief” is that Watson chose to sit out the entire series “to protect his pending restricted free agency” and not aggravate the injury ahead of the offseason. This was despite the fact that Denver continued to check in on him regularly. Watson had reportedly made little to no progress in his recovery in April as Denver fought and eventually lost to Minnesota 4-2. On the other hand, the Nuggets saw Anthony Gordon push himself to play through calf tightness in the same series. While Slater did not mention his source, it is clear that the information came straight from the Nuggets front office, and it may as well end up playing a part in the negotiations. Watson has reportedly attracted sign-and-trade interest from multiple teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Atlanta Hawks. Of course, the deadline for restricted free agents to sign a qualifying offer is October 1, which means both parties are in no hurry to rush towards a resolution. Watson started 40 games last season and averaged career-high numbers, converting more than 40% of his three-point attempts for the first time since his rookie season. That means he will have no dearth of suitors even late in the offseason, although it will be interesting to see whether any team will be willing to commit the kind of money Watson is holding out for.