Peyton Watson to Cavs, Max Strus to Clippers in multiteam trade The Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers finalized a complex multiteam trade on Wednesday, sending 23-year-old wing Peyton Watson to Cleveland and forward Max Strus to the Clippers. The deal, confirmed by ESPN sources, involves multiple teams and includes a mix of draft picks, cash, and players. Watson, who had been a restricted free agent, will sign a four-year, $88 million contract with Cleveland, featuring a player option in the fourth season and a trade kicker to finalize the deal. The Cavaliers’ management, including Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agents Lucas Newton and Calvin Andrews, confirmed the terms of the agreement. The trade structure includes several components. The Nuggets receive an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from Cleveland and a 2032 second-round pick from the Sacramento Kings. Additionally, Denver will acquire Julian Reese from the Washington Wizards, though the Wizards will waive Reese off his two-way contract. The Clippers gain Strus, while the Wizards receive Tre Mann from Cleveland, a 2027 second-round pick from the Cavaliers via the Clippers, and cash. The Hornets also benefit, acquiring Dennis Schroder and cash from Cleveland. This deal marks a five-team swap, as the Cavaliers had previously traded Schroder to the Hornets for Mann earlier in the week. For the Cavaliers, the trade represents a strategic retooling of their roster. Coming off an Eastern Conference finals appearance where they were swept by the New York Knicks, the team aims to bolster its depth and athleticism. Watson, a versatile wing with scoring ability, fills a key role as Cleveland looks to build around its core players.#denver_nuggets #los_angeles_clippers #peyton_watson #max_strus #clayton_cavaliers
