NBA Notes: Nuggets, trade candidates, Wizards, Kyshawn George, Hawks

Nuggets

The Nuggets may not be finished tinkering with their roster before training camp, with Peyton Watson, Cameron Johnson and Zeke Nnaji standing out as possible trade candidates.

Logan Struck of NBA on SI identified the three while examining Denver’s remaining offseason decisions, and Watson is easily the biggest name to watch.

The restricted free agent reportedly has been seeking a deal worth roughly $25 million annually, while Denver has shown little indication it’s prepared to go that high. The Cavaliers, Bucks, Clippers and Hawks have all been linked to Watson as possible sign-and-trade destinations.

Johnson could become another consideration if Denver ultimately pays Watson. He’s entering the final year of a contract worth approximately $23 million, and moving him would provide significant luxury-tax and second-apron relief.

Of course, there’s a basketball cost. Johnson remains precisely the sort of floor-spacing forward the Nuggets would like alongside Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.

Nnaji is the more obvious salary-dump candidate. Denver has tried to find a taker for him before, but the final two years of his four-year, $32 million extension have made that difficult. The Nuggets presumably would need to attach draft compensation to facilitate a deal.

Wizards

Kyshawn George could be the less-heralded member of Washington’s projected starting five, but Henry Brown of NBA on SI believes his versatility makes him a natural fit alongside Trae Young, AJ Dybantsa, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr.

George averaged 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season while shooting 44 percent from the field and 38 percent on threes.

His role figures to change with Washington’s high-profile additions. Instead of serving as one of the primary offensive options, George could be asked to provide shooting, secondary playmaking and perimeter defense.

There may still be opportunities for more. Washington doesn’t have an obvious backup point guard, potentially giving George chances to handle the offense when Young sits.

George appeared in only 48 games last season after a partially torn UCL sidelined him for the final 22.

Hawks

The Jonathan Kuminga situation remains the biggest unresolved piece of the Hawks’ offseason, writes Jackson Caudell of NBA on SI.

Atlanta declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million team option, making him an unrestricted free agent, but a sign-and-trade remains possible. The Cavaliers, Lakers, Timberwolves, Clippers and Bucks have all been linked to the 23-year-old forward.

Atlanta also has some housekeeping to do.

The Hawks currently have 17 players for 15 regular-season roster spots, meaning at least two moves are coming. Caudell lists Corey Kispert, Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard, Devin Carter and Mouhamed Gueye among the players whose situations bear watching.

There are complications with virtually all of them. Carter can’t be traded until Aug. 30, while Nembhard isn’t eligible to be dealt until Sept. 19. Kispert carries a contract Atlanta may have difficulty moving without attaching an asset, and Gueye’s non-guaranteed deal could leave him vulnerable while he recovers from a foot injury.

In other words, the Hawks may be quiet right now. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll look the same when camp opens.