The Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers have agreed to a complex multiteam trade that will send young forward Peyton Watson to Cleveland and veteran wing Max Strus to the Clippers.
Watson is set to join the Cavaliers on a new four-year, $88 million contract that includes a player option and trade kicker. The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in Denver, averaging career highs of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.9 steals while shooting 41% from three-point range.
Cleveland, fresh from reaching the Eastern Conference finals before being swept by the New York Knicks, sees Watson as a key addition to its retooled roster. His athleticism, defensive ability and improved scoring give the Cavaliers another versatile option on the wing.
As part of the deal, Denver will receive Cleveland’s unprotected 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-round selection from Sacramento.
The Clippers, meanwhile, will acquire Strus through a trade exception, sending a 2027 second-round pick to Cleveland. Strus now joins Los Angeles after spending the past two seasons with the Cavaliers.
The complicated transaction also involves Washington. Cleveland will send Tre Mann, a 2027 second-round pick from the Clippers and cash to the Wizards in exchange for Cam Whitmore. Washington will then send two-way player Julian Reese to Denver, with the Nuggets expected to waive him.
Mann gives the Wizards another guard option and has previous ties to general manager Will Dawkins from their time together with the Oklahoma City Thunder. For Cleveland, acquiring Whitmore provides a smaller salary and additional flexibility under the NBA’s first apron.
The trade caps a busy stretch for the Cavaliers, who previously sent Dennis Schröder to Charlotte for Tre Mann. That move effectively makes the overall transaction a five-team deal.
For Watson, the move represents a major step forward after an encouraging third NBA season. He started 40 games last year and recorded four 30-point performances after failing to reach that mark during his first three seasons.
His defensive numbers have also stood out. Since entering the NBA in 2022-23, Watson ranks second in field-goal percentage allowed as a contesting defender among players who have contested at least 2,000 shots, highlighting the two-way potential Cleveland is investing in.
