What happened: The 23-year-old, 6-foot-8 Peyton Watson is a restricted free agent with Denver. Stein says Cleveland has explored deals involving Dennis Schröder and Max Strus, while the Clippers and Bucks are pursuing their own sign-and-trade paths.
Why it matters: Denver's second-apron position complicates taking salary back and could force Cleveland into a multi-team structure. Watson can alternatively play next season on a $6.5 million qualifying offer and reach unrestricted free agency in 2027.
By the numbers: Watson averaged 14.6 points and 4.9 rebounds over 54 games, including 40 starts, in 2025-26. Strus is owed $16.66 million in the final year of his deal; Schröder is due $14.81 million in 2026-27 and $15.51 million in 2027-28, with $4.35 million guaranteed in the second season.
What to watch: Watch whether Cleveland finds a landing spot for Strus or Schröder and whether Denver presents terms Watson accepts before the 2026-27 season.