With the full use of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, the LA Clippers could’ve spent it on Peyton Watson, arguably the most valuable free agent target still left. This is a move the fans would’ve loved, primarily because he would fill a massive hole in the frontcourt, which is a need at the moment. However, the dream for Watson is ultimately in the gutter now, as Jordan Miller just re-signed with the Clippers on a three-year, $15.3 million deal.
Restricted free agent guard Jordan Miller has pinged back to the Los Angeles Clippers on a new three-year, $15.3 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Miller served his way last season with 10 points per game on 53% from the field, and rallied to score double digits in 20 of his final… pic.twitter.com/w8ucIbJFIk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 3, 2026
The promotion Miller received is well deserved, and that should not get twisted one bit. On the flipside, though, the $5.1 million he’ll be pocketing annually takes up one-third of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception($15 million).
And, unfortunately, considering the breakout season Watson just had for the Denver Nuggets, $10 million is a range he probably won’t settle for; his demands are certainly going to be out of the Clippers’ budget.
The Clippers now have to pivot to another PF target that’s not Peyton Watson
Everyone can agree, Peyton Watson in an LA Clippers uniform, starring in the frontcourt for Tyronn Lue, would’ve been nice. He has star potential and demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion in his fourth season for the Denver Nuggets, which speaks volumes about his potential.
Watson also averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, while playing elite defense, shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.1% from beyond the arc.
However, due to the details of Jordan Miller’s latest contract, Watson is a target fans of the Clippers can check off the free agency list as unavailable, unless Lawrence Frank creates space via trade.
So, in the process of pivoting, the Clippers may find that Rui Hachimura is the best-fit remaining free agent left, who is actually realistic.
He may have more weaknesses on both ends of the court and might be at a different stage of his career than Watson, but he can certainly get the job done.
The most important part? Hachimura could very well accept $10 million per year, if it means still being able to compete for the playoffs, in a strong role, without having to pack his bags and move his belongings to another city.
That said, while re-signing Miller was huge for the Clippers, given everything he did last season, Watson is essentially out of the picture. This is a tough reality to accept for some, as him in LA is like a match made in heaven.
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