Restricted free agent Peyton Watson is seeking a contract that will pay him over $25 million yearly.
With NBA free agency already underway and several teams and players locking in deals, Peyton Watson remains one of the notable and marquee names still available on the market.
MIN
29.6
PTS
14.6
FG%
54.9%
REB
4.9
AS
2.1
With Watson hitting restricted free agency, he is reportedly looking for a major payday.
According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the talented forward is seeking a contract that will pay him over $25 million yearly.
“Watson, meanwhile, is said to be seeking a deal north of the $25 million in average annual value that Christian Braun secured from Denver in October,” per the report.
“How feasible that is in this marketplace remains to be seen.”
Peyton Watson seeks significant contract in restricted free agency
Before enduring a brutal decline and an injury-riddled campaign this past 2025-26 NBA season, Christian Braun notably signed a five-year, $125 million rookie contract extension with the Denver Nuggets last October. As such, what Peyton Watson is demanding now is quite intriguing and simply puts the franchise in a challenging spot to decide.
Averaging a career-best 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, Watson delivered a breakout 2025-26 campaign of his own. But injuries and availability have completely hindered his rise, as he has only appeared in 54 games.
It also remains unclear whether the Los Angeles Lakers will continue their pursuit of Watson. The team has been a notable suitor for the rising wing since last season.
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