Nuggets viewed Cavs’ first-round pick as more valuable than available players

The Nuggets didn’t get a player back when they sent Peyton Watson to the Cavaliers. Apparently, that was very much by design.

After surveying the trade market, Denver viewed Cleveland’s unprotected 2031 first-round pick as a more valuable asset than any player available in a potential Watson deal, team sources told Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.

Here’s the other interesting part: The Nuggets aren’t necessarily planning to use it.

Durando reports that Denver intends to eventually move the pick in another trade, presumably one designed to help Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets win now.

The Cavaliers emerged late in the Watson sweepstakes and were the only team willing to offer Denver an unprotected first-rounder. The Nuggets had also discussed potential sign-and-trades with the Clippers, Bucks, Hawks and Trail Blazers.

Cleveland ultimately signed Watson to a four-year, $88 million contract, with Denver receiving the 2031 first and a 2032 second-rounder.

It’s certainly a gamble for the Cavs. They’re built to contend now, and Watson is expected to start at small forward. But 2031 is five years away, and an unprotected pick can become awfully interesting if things don’t go according to plan.

Denver apparently agrees. In fact, the Nuggets liked that possibility more than any player they could get right now.