NBA Notes: Nuggets, Peyton Watson, Rockets, Alperen Sengun, Clippers

Nuggets

Fourth-year forward Peyton Watson is drawing significant trade interest ahead of restricted free agency, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

The Nuggets, however, have pushed back on those inquiries and remain focused on re-signing Watson this offseason, Scotto reported.

That stance is not surprising. Watson’s role has grown dramatically amid injuries across the roster, and he has delivered.

Since moving into the starting lineup full-time roughly two months ago, the 23-year-old is averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and two assists in 32.6 minutes per game while shooting better than 52 percent from the field and over 43 percent from three.

He was named the NBA’s Player of the Week on Monday, the first such honor of his career.

The challenge will be financial. Denver already has more than $201 million in guaranteed money committed for 2026-27, including nearly $186 million tied to Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Cameron Johnson, and Christian Braun.

With Watson’s market rising, retaining him could push the Nuggets toward second-apron territory unless salary is moved elsewhere.

Rockets

Alperen Sengun was expected to miss up to two weeks with a right ankle sprain. Instead, the Rockets center was sidelined for just three games over seven days.

Sengun admitted Wednesday that he is still playing through the injury, per Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko.

“Still not 100 percent,” Sengun said. “It’s not going to be 100 percent for a while. But I’ve played through this all my life and I’m okay with it.”

Houston has dropped four of its past five games, including a 20-point home loss to the Thunder on Thursday, making Sengun’s health a growing subplot as the schedule tightens.

Clippers

The Clippers plan to sign Patrick Baldwin Jr. to a 10-day contract, according to The Athletic’s Law Murray. The expectation is that Baldwin will join the team in time for Monday’s game in Washington, Murray reported.

Baldwin, the 28th verall pick in the 2022 draft, has appeared in 93 NBA games with the Warriors, Wizards, and Clippers. He spent last season on a two-way deal with Los Angeles and was waived at the end of training camp before resurfacing with the San Diego Clippers.

In 17 G League games this season, Baldwin is averaging 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in nearly thirty-four minutes per contest. His height is now listed at 7-foot-0.

The Clippers have an open roster spot, so no corresponding move is needed. Baldwin’s $131,970 cap hit will leave the club roughly $1.15 million below the first apron.

As Murray noted, carrying a full 15-man roster also gives the Clippers more flexibility with two-way players Kobe Sanders, Jordan Miller, and TyTy Washington Jr.