The Los Angeles Clippers may have found a creative solution to two offseason challenges at once. Their stalled Kawhi Leonard trade with the Toronto Raptors could expand into a multi-team deal that brings Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Peyton Watson to Los Angeles, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. The Clippers are coming off a 120-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets on May 3, 2025, and have lost their last two games.
What’s the proposed deal structure?
The framework would allow the Clippers to acquire Watson without sending matching salary to Denver. Instead, some of the draft compensation Toronto already agreed to trade for Leonard-including unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033-could be redirected to the Nuggets. This would help Denver avoid adding salary near the second luxury-tax apron while giving the Clippers a 23-year-old, 6-foot-8 forward capable of defending multiple positions.
Why does this matter for the Clippers?
Watson’s age and athleticism would be valuable for a Clippers roster attempting to get younger while moving on from Leonard. The Nuggets’ asking price has been in the range of two first-round picks or one first-rounder and a promising player. Folding Watson’s sign-and-trade into the Leonard transaction could allow the Nuggets to receive draft compensation without adding salary.
What’s holding up the trade?
The NBA is investigating whether the Clippers violated salary cap rules through Leonard’s endorsement agreement with Aspiration. If the league limits any punishment to a fine or the forfeiture of Clippers draft picks, Los Angeles could still attempt to complete the trade. However, if Leonard’s contract is voided, the existing deal could not proceed under its present financial structure.
The Clippers have denied wrongdoing, but the uncertainty explains why a potentially beneficial three-team solution remains only a possibility. Toronto paused the Leonard trade after learning it would assume the risk of any discipline affecting him. The Clippers’ recent form (2W-0D-3L) adds urgency to their roster-building efforts.
