The final addition for the offseason to the LA Clippers’ roster needs to be Peyton Watson. He’s one of the next rising stars in the NBA and checks off everything the Clippers are looking for with flying colors. However, regarding Watson, the nightmare of him taking the qualifying offer on the table with the Denver Nuggets is certainly possible. Doing so would take him out of LA’s eyesight now, and likely next summer, as he’ll be worth more than he’s currently asking in unrestricted free agency.
On that note, according to ‘The Stein Line,’ Watson is considering the idea of accepting the qualifying offer worth just $6.5 million.
If Watson does end up taking the money that’s in front of him, Clipper Nation will be hurt to their core. He’s someone they envisioned joining the team and starring alongside Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram.
Peyton Watson should absolutely not take the qualifying offer
Everyone can agree, Peyton Watson’s production is worth far, far more than $6.5 million. He’s elite on both ends of the floor, and just as Marc Stein reported, if he accepted the qualifying offer, he would be “leaving millions on the table.”
That’s no small amount, especially for a player of his caliber who has demanded over $25 million in restricted free agency.
For context, Watson recorded 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from beyond the arc.
More importantly, Watson showcased, on a number of occasions, that he can be a top-two option. He dominated numerous times while the Denver Nuggets’ stars were sidelined, and on many of those nights, led his team to victory.
That speaks volumes for a player so young with so much potential that he is capable of maximizing in the near future.
As a result, it would be extremely foolish of Watson and his party to call the Nuggets’ line and let them know he’s taking the qualifying offer.
The best path? Be patient. Some team, hopefully the LA Clippers, will come to his doorstep once the investigation on Kawhi Leonard, which is likely the hold-up, is done, and find a way to get him exactly what he wants in terms of money.
This works out for him, as Watson is already familiar with the LA area. He grew up in Long Beach, California, and attended UCLA. So, why not wait a little longer and join the organization that makes the most sense?
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