What happened: Nikola Jokic backed Denver's five-year, $125 million deal with Christian Braun as the club prepared to take Peyton Watson into restricted free agency. Watson later hired Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul and secured a four-year, $88 million contract through a sign-and-trade with Cleveland.

Why it matters: The decision split two members of Denver's 2022 draft class and removed a 23-year-old wing from its 2026-27 roster. The Nuggets prioritized future trade capital over an immediate replacement.

What to watch: Watch whether Denver converts the Cleveland pick into immediate rotation help before the 2026-27 season.