Nuggets Pursue Salary Moves to Free Up Cap Space for Watson

The Denver Nuggets are actively exploring trade options to shed salary and create enough cap flexibility to re-sign guard Peyton Watson this offseason. While Aaron Gordon is generating the most interest from other teams, the Nuggets are leaning toward moving Christian Braun instead.

Gordon, who is entering his 10th season in the league, is under contract for $31.9 million this season with $71.5 million owed through the 2028-29 season, including a player option in the final year. His expiring deal makes him an attractive trade chip for teams looking to add veteran production. However, the Nuggets are more inclined to move Braun, who is now in the first season of his five-year, $125 million extension signed in July 2024.

Denver is currently about $8 million over the second tax apron, limiting its ability to add free agents or re-sign key players like Watson. The team is expected to waive Jonas Valanciunas, who is owed $18.5 million this season, and explore other salary-shedding moves. In addition to Gordon and Braun, forward Cameron Johnson, who was acquired in the offseason and is owed $17.4 million in 2025-26, is also being considered for a potential move.

The Nuggets are looking to streamline their roster and avoid a deep dive into luxury tax territory. By moving either Braun or Johnson, Denver can create the necessary cap space to re-sign Watson, who is expected to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Braun’s high salary makes him a more impactful trade asset in the short term, even though his contract is fully guaranteed through 2028.

“With everyone in the fold, Denver is expected to get off some salary by waiving or trading Jonas Valanciunas, as well as other smaller salary-shedding moves this offseason,” according to the latest team update.

The decision on which player to move could come as early as the trade deadline. With the season still in progress, the Nuggets are balancing the need for continuity with the urgency to create financial flexibility. Teams have already begun inquiring about Gordon’s availability, but the preference remains on Braun.

The Nuggets will have until July 1 to finalize any long-term deals with free agents, including Watson. Until then, the focus remains on finding a trade that benefits both Denver and a potential suitor.