What happened: Nuggets beat writer Troy Renck said Denver's future with restricted free agent Peyton Watson remains uncertain. The report comes as the Clippers, one of Watson's suitors, pause a Kawhi Leonard trade, with a sign-and-trade for Watson considered unlikely for now.

Why it matters: Denver tendered Watson a qualifying offer while already operating over the NBA's second tax apron, a restriction that narrows the Nuggets' options for retaining him. If sign-and-trade paths keep closing, Watson's market shifts toward a straightforward free-agency decision rather than an orchestrated deal.

What to watch: Watch whether Denver matches an offer sheet or reaches an extension before free agency moves further.