The Cleveland Cavaliers wanted LeBron James back so badly, and honestly, who wouldn’t? It felt like a storybook ending, James rounding out his NBA career right back where it all started. It really seemed meant to be, but that fairytale just wasn’t in the cards. So, what’s next for the Cavs? They missed out on James, a major bummer, but they’re still holding onto serious hope for a solid 2026-27 season. With James Harden still unsigned, Cleveland has some real flexibility to make moves before the season kicks off. They’ve already pulled the trigger, trading Dennis Schröder to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann, and the word on the street is they’re eyeing Peyton Watson, too.
Cleveland’s Big Wing Hunt Just Got Real
Enter Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report, who just dropped a fascinating three-team proposal that could reshape things for Cleveland, Denver, and Memphis. Under this wild deal, Cleveland would snag Peyton Watson, a 6-foot-8 big wing they’ve been searching for since losing De’Andre Hunter. This guy is the real deal! Last season, Watson put up 14.6 points per game and get this: he shot a career-best 41.1% from 3-point range. That’s serious firepower from deep! If this trade goes down, imagine Watson lining up with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and potentially James Harden if he re-signs. That lineup would be absolutely lethal, giving Cleveland a huge boost and some much-needed size on the wing. It’s exactly the kind of move that could soften the blow of missing out on a legend.
Denver’s Wallet Woes And Memphis’s Sweet Haul
This proposal isn’t just about the Cavs, though. Denver has a massive decision on their hands because Watson is reportedly looking for around $25 million per year. The Nuggets, already projected to have the NBA’s highest payroll, could use this deal to move on from that hefty price tag. They’d offload Watson, get out from under Zeke Nnaji’s contract, add GG Jackson, and pick up a 2030 protected first-round pick from the Cavs, plus some trade exceptions. That’s a smart financial play for a team trying to manage a top-tier roster. Meanwhile, Memphis would walk away with Max Strus, an experienced 30-year-old wing, Nnaji, three second-round picks, and some cash. The Grizzlies would have options, either keeping Strus to play alongside Cameron Boozer and their young core, or flipping his contract for even more assets. It’s a win-win-win scenario, at least on paper.
Look, this whole three-team trade idea from Bleacher Report? It’s genuinely fascinating. But let’s be real, Pincus himself said it seems like a longshot to actually happen. Still, even just the concept shows Cleveland is ready to make a splash and find that big wing. They need to keep pushing and find a way to land a player like Watson.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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