The Golden State Warriors know all about a long restricted free agency process, and it turns out they have a quiet stake in what happens with Peyton Watson amid his stalemate with the Denver Nuggets.
The Warriors will be keeping an eye on Nikola Jokic's situation in Denver given their projected cap space next summer and the fact the three-time MVP can opt out and become an unrestricted free agent.
Watson's restricted free agency could play a role in Jokic's view of the Nuggets front office and ownership, particularly if they ultimately let the young forward walk for a medicore return in a sign-and-trade.
Warriors have quiet stake in Peyton Watson's free agency
That would be the best outcome for Golden State. From their perspective, they'll hope that Watson heads elsewhere, ideally to an Eastern Conference team like the Cleveland Cavaliers who are a leading suitor for the 23-year-old.
Hopefully the return in a sign-and-trade is underwhelming, not just for it's potential impact on Jokic's future, but just as importantly because Denver are a direct conference rival who Golden State will see three times this season.
If the Nuggets were to get off to a sluggish start, there's little doubt those outside the organization, and perhaps even Jokic himself, will look at the front office/ownership's unwillingness to pay Watson as one of the reasons behind it.
Denver have historically made roster moves for financial reasons to avoid harsher tax penalties. To their credit, they matched the Oklahoma City Thunder's two-year, $12 million offer sheet for Spencer Jones, but they're seemingly open to moving Watson rather than paying him a $20+ million per year extension.
Warriors need everything to go right to enter Nikola Jokic conversation
The chances of the Warriors acquiring Jokic is so remote that they need everything to go right even to just get into the conversation. That starts with Watson's free agency which appears no closer to a resolution and could easily move forward into September.
Most believe Jokic isn't signing an extension yet just to ensure he gets the biggest deal possible, with the 31-year-old eligible to sign a five-year, nearly $360 million contract next summer. However, by waiting things out another year, Jokic is opening the door for something to go wrong, whether that be for himself, the team or both.
Golden State will be hoping to prey on such a situation, with Watson's free agency perhaps the first aspect that could creak the door open on Jokic considering a future outside Denver.
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