There is a strong possibility that the Denver Nuggets may need to make a difficult roster decision during the upcoming offseason, according to Bennett Durando in a mailbag column for The Denver Post.
Durando explains that Denver has effectively operated as though the NBA’s second tax apron functions like a hard salary cap, carefully managing payroll to avoid crossing that financial threshold in recent seasons.
That approach could present a challenge this summer, particularly with restricted free agent Peyton Watson coming off what has been described as a breakout 2025/26 campaign.
Retaining Watson on a new contract would likely force the Nuggets to either exceed the second apron or shed salary elsewhere on the roster by moving one of their higher-paid players.
Based on conversations Durando has had with league sources, forward Cameron Johnson is viewed as the most probable trade candidate if Denver ultimately decides it needs additional financial flexibility in order to re-sign Watson while maintaining roster balance.
In the meantime, the Nuggets still have one open spot available on their standard 15-man roster.
Durando believes the team’s preference would be to use that vacancy to add more size and depth on the wing, addressing a positional need as the season progresses.
However, he notes that the front office is expected to remain patient, monitoring the buyout market over the coming days before committing to a signing and finalizing plans for that final roster position.
Nuggets Notes: Gordon, Watson, Johnson, Simpson https://t.co/LhFRwfeZtT pic.twitter.com/D5TamYzkOI
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 24, 2026
