Bucks join Clippers, Hawks in pursuit of Nuggets’ Peyton Watson

The Bucks have emerged as the latest team with interest in Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson.

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Milwaukee has joined the Clippers and Hawks as teams exploring a potential sign-and-trade for the athletic wing.

Watson, 22, is reportedly seeking a contract worth at least $25 million annually.

The Bucks, meanwhile, should have more than $10 million in room below the luxury tax after their reported agreement with Gary Trent Jr., potentially giving them enough flexibility to make a deal work if they send out salary.

Among the players who could be included in a trade package are Kyle Kuzma, Caris LeVert and A.J. Green, though any negotiations would likely be complicated by Denver’s financial situation.

The Nuggets are believed to have little interest in taking back significant salary in a sign-and-trade, as doing so would hard-cap them at the second tax apron.

Denver also isn’t expected to move Watson cheaply.

One recent report indicated the Nuggets are seeking a return similar to what the Jazz received for Walker Kessler — two first-round picks and two pick swaps.

The 6-foot-8 Watson averaged 8.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists while appearing in 79 games last season, emerging as one of Denver’s top young defensive players and a key piece of its rotation.

Should Milwaukee ultimately land Watson, it would add another versatile, switchable defender to a roster that has obviously undergone significant changes this offseason.

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