Cavs still pursuing Peyton Watson as James Harden waits

The Cavaliers apparently aren’t finished exploring ways to upgrade the wing.

Appearing on ESPN’s NBA Today, NBA insider Ramona Shelburne said Cleveland remains engaged in its pursuit of Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson, suggesting that’s one reason James Harden has yet to finalize a new contract with the team.

“The Cavs are still poking around with Peyton Watson,” Shelburne said. “And I think that’s why James has given them a lot of room to negotiate.”

The Cavs have been linked to Watson throughout the offseason, though completing a deal has never appeared easy.

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com recently reported Denver is believed to be seeking a first-round draft pick and a quality rotation player in any sign-and-trade involving the 23-year-old forward.

Watson also is reportedly looking for a contract starting in the $20 million to $25 million range, further complicating negotiations.

Cleveland has also been connected to Jonathan Kuminga and DeMar DeRozan as it continues searching for additional help on the wing.

The Cavs, meanwhile, already reached an agreement with Mario Hezonja and continue to view him as part of the regular rotation entering next season.

None of that appears to have changed.

What Shelburne’s report does suggest is that the Cavs still aren’t ready to close the book on adding another wing before officially wrapping up Harden’s new contract.