Cavaliers acquire Peyton Watson in multi-team trade

Cleveland added forward Peyton Watson and rookie Cam Whitmore after a four-team trade involving the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards. The Cavaliers sent guard Tre Mann, a 2027 second-round pick from the Clippers and cash to Washington, while the Wizards received Julian Reese, who the Nuggets plan to waive, and a 2027 second-round pick from Los Angeles.

The Nuggets acquired a 2031 first-round pick (via Cleveland) and a 2032 second-round pick (via Sacramento) as part of the transaction. Los Angeles received veteran guard Max Strus, who spent three seasons with Cleveland and missed most of last year with a foot injury.

Watson, a former first-round pick in 2022, posted averages of 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds over 54 games this season. He completed his rookie contract and declined a reported extension from Denver, opting for free agency before the trade was finalized. Watson missed the playoffs after a hamstring injury that resurfaced in April.

Strus, a seven-year NBA player, appeared in 12 games for Cleveland last season, averaging 11.2 points while recovering from a left foot fracture. Tre Mann, a former 2021 first-round pick, had a season with the Charlotte Hornets in which he averaged 14.1 points, but his recent production fell to 5.5 points over 53 games.