The Atlanta Hawks haven’t made splashy moves this offseason, though they have definitely improved their club. Now, it sounds like the Hawks aren’t done adjusting their roster, as they are reportedly interested in Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson.
“Atlanta, sources say, has also shown some fresh interest in Watson, which would likewise require a sign-and-trade to make it happen,” NBA insider Jake Fischer said earlier today.
Atlanta Hawks Jump into Fray for Denver Nuggets RFA; Are They Out of The Jonathan Kuminga Running
Watson, who has a $6.5 million qualifying offer, has drawn considerable interest since free agency opened. The Nuggets recently said they were willing to trade the 6-8 wing after it was believed that they were going to make him a core part of the franchise. He is reportedly seeking over $25 million, with an average AAV of $21.5 million.
Rich Paul of Klutch Sports is “not rushing” a resolution to Peyton Watson’s restricted free agency, with the focus on getting his client paid what he’s worth, and the agency is comfortable if the process drags out, per @JakeLFischer. pic.twitter.com/pErBRqmlAX
— APHoops (@APH00PS) July 10, 2026
Watson is coming off a career season and really established himself as a “3-and-D” wing. The 23-year-old averaged 14.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 blocks. He drained 1.5 threes on average volume (3.9), while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from the 3-point line. Additionally, he posted two double-doubles and scored 20+points on 16 occassions, including four contests of at least 30.
Watson is an athletic, two-way player with elite length who is very disruptive on defense. While Watson has improved as a three-point shooter this past year, he is at his best when he gets off the edge and attacks the rim. He converted 64.5% of his attempts at the rim and 43% of his attempts in the paint.
Defensively, Watson gets after it and can guard the 2-through-4. However, he still needs to improve his body and self-creation.
How Would Watson Fit In With the Hawks?
Defense was an issue for the Hawks, especially against the New York Knicks in the playoffs. The Hawks struggled to keep the Knicks out of the paint and also allowed 11 threes at 38% from 3-point range. Overall, the Knicks shot nearly 50% from the floor and averaged almost 118 points a game.
Moreover, Atlanta’s biggest defensive issue all season long was on the wing, as they ranked in the bottom third of the league in points allowed to both shooting guards and small forwards. OG Anunoby was superb against the Hawks, and Mikel Bridges had a fantastic Game 6 to close out the series.
So, Watson would definitely improve the Hawks’ wing defense and could make it one of the stronger units, with them already having acquired Aaron Wiggins, a solid defender. He would also fit well in Quin Snyder’s pace-and-space offensive system and align with the Hawks’ youth movement. Eleven of the 18 players currently under contract are 25 or younger.
Atlanta has 16 players under contract for the upcoming season with a cap hit of $190.3 million. The Hawks are hardcapped at the first apron, giving them $18.6 million of space. They can clear $2.4 million off the ledger by waiving Mohamad Gueye‘s nonguaranteed salary.
Still, that would give them $21 million of available space, though they would still have to find a partner to take Buddy Hield or Corey Kispert. Hield is the most likely player to be moved.
Just as big a question is whether the Hawks, who are not the only team interested in Watson, would want to pay the Nuggets’ asking price. The Nuggets have made it known that they want a package similar to the one the Los Angeles Lakers gave up for Walker Kessler. That would mean two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps, which the Hawks can accommodate if they so choose.
Here is the bottom line: it doesn’t make sense for the Hawks to trade for Watson. Plus, Denver wants to keep him, and the Lakers, Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls are also interested.
Are the Clippers still interested in Watson?
Who can legitimately give Watson what he wants? The Nuggets have the upper hand as they can match any offer. But signing him to anything more than their qualifying offer would likely push the Nuggets over the second apron, and they have at least four more roster spots to fill.
The Bulls and Nets can easily afford what Watson wants. The Lakers have 14 players under contract and are $13 million below the first apron, where they are hardcapped and they don’t have the draft capital needed.
The Clippers are $40 million below the luxury tax and have the necessary draft capital. But the price may be too high for the Clippers.
“Sources with knowledge of the talks told me Thursday that the Nuggets’ sign-and-trade asking price has to this juncture been too steep for the Clippers to deeply consider,” Fisher said. “As a result, sources say, there is an increasing possibility that the Clippers opt from here to focus on re-signing their own restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin instead.”
Jonathan Kuminga Doesn’t Figure To Be Back With the Hawks
Even though the Hawks declined Jonathan Kuminga’s $24.3 million club option, there was a thought that the Hawks would bring him back. But Kuminga has garnered interest from the Lakers and Sacramento Kings, among others. Doing a sign-and-trade would be difficult since the Hawks would have to waive two or dump salary in a trade to sign him.
To be clear: Said on yesterday’s show Jonathan Kuminga is looking for “more in” the $25 million AAV ballpark compared to the Lakers’ previously-reported 2/20 offer. Not “more than.” And Kuminga is also open to various deal structures depending on fit and role with Lakers, Cavs,… https://t.co/9xKQChObZy
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 10, 2026
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
