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After a bright 2025-26 season, Peyton Watson was due for a bigger contract. He was the wing player who could have been the perfect fit alongside Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Jamal Murray. However, it seems the Denver Nuggets' financial situation prevented them from giving Watson the contract he wanted. The 23-year-old wanted to get a contract comparable to or even better than what Christian Braun got in the 2025 offseason, which was a five-year deal worth $125 million. Unfortunately, they could not do so, which is why Watson is now a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers after a sign-and-trade. Nikola Jokic reacts to Peyton Watson's exit from the Nuggets As the superstar for the Nuggets, Jokic is always connected to the team. Of course, he is playing for the Serbian national team this summer, but he remains tapped in with his team in the NBA. He and Watson had a wonderful connection on the court. Jokic has always been the primary playmaker, which is why Watson loved playing alongside him. The 23-year-old kept getting dunks because of Jokic's passes, but now, they are apart from each other. MORE: The grades for the Peyton Watson trade for every party involved That athleticism was a big part of why Watson was so effective for the Nuggets. He provided them with both athleticism and defense, which is now a big void for Denver. Jokic definitely feels sad about Watson's exit, but it will be interesting to think about how they pivot. "I'm happy for Peyton; he deserved it. We will miss his energy and skill. I don't think about the season yet; we have to play this, but it's gonna be okay," Jokic said to Miroslav Cuk's question after the Serbia vs France game. The Cavaliers should be a good fit for Watson because he is the athletic and high-upside wing they need alongside their core group. It is an interesting deal for them, and they could come away as the victors of the massive trade between multiple teams. More NBA news: - How the Peyton Watson trade has helped the Cavaliers in their bid to make it further in the Eastern Conference - Christian Braun's contract might be the reason why Peyton Watson left the Nuggets - The Denver Nuggets are the primary team in the running to sign DeMar DeRozan - Nikola Jokic is most likely getting the triple-double record after Russell Westbrook's retirement - Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets have an intriguing problem with his contract