On Monday, the Nuggets were on the road to face the Grizzlies. Jamal Murray led the team offensively with 29 points in a 125-115 win. Denver is 13-4 in 2025-26. That is currently second in the Western Conference.
Second in scoring for the Nuggets on Monday was SF Peyton Watson with 27 points. That was his second-highest scoring game of the 2025-26 season for Memphis. The 23-year-old has taken a massive step forward with his expanded role. Peyton Watson’s production this year may cost him a roster spot in 2026-27 with Denver.
Will Peyton Watson be a member of the Denver Nuggets next season?
Led by Jamal Murray’s 29 points and eight assists and a 27-point effort from Peyton Watson—14 of which came in the decisive third quarter—the Denver Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 125-115, holding off a late surge.#NBA #Powcast
Admin Nad pic.twitter.com/JJTsBAYOPB
— Powcast Sports (@POWCASTSPORTS) November 25, 2025
With the 30th pick in the 2022 NBA draft, the Thunder selected Peyton Watson out of UCLA. However, Oklahoma City traded Watson on draft night to Denver. That is where the SF has spent the first four seasons of his professional career. Peyton Watson has appeared in 188 games and made 31 starts for Denver. His career-high for games played was 80 in 2023-24. Additionally, his career-high for starts was 18 in 2024-25.
In the 2025-26 season, Peyton Watson is off to a hot start for the Nuggets. His 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game are all new career-highs. Additionally, Watson’s 25.6 minutes per game is a personal best. The 23-year-old has made the most of his expanded role to begin the season for Denver. Watson’s production in 2025-26 may cost him a future roster spot.
🏀 MONDAY’S FINAL SCORES 🏀
Nikola Jokić records his 10th triple-double in 17 games to lift the @nuggets over Memphis!
Jamal Murray: 29 PTS, 8 AST
Peyton Watson: 27 PTS
Jock Landale: 26 PTS, 10 REB
Jaylen Wells: 22 PTS https://t.co/D4FKyq08cP pic.twitter.com/QRShjsMTLU— NBA (@NBA) November 25, 2025
Denver is excited to see Watson taking a step forward this season. However, the team has all but made their decision on Watson. During the 2025 offseason, the Nuggets signed Christian Braun to a massive five-year extension. They failed to get a deal done with Peyton Watson. He is playing on an expiring contract and will be a restricted free agent this offseaosn.
With the production he’s given Denver, Watson could be in line for a respectable second contract. He may have to find that money elsewhere. The Nuggets have a majority of their future salary cap tied to the five starters and Zeke Naji. Peyton Watson appears to be the odd man out despite taking a step forward in 2025-26.
