- Why did the Nuggets trade down in the 2024 NBA Draft?
- Denver swapped the 26th pick for three second-round selections to reduce costs amid luxury-tax pressure. The move avoids adding a first-round salary while stockpiling future assets as Peyton Watson’s pay rise looms.
- What is the NBA’s second tax apron, and why does it matter for the Nuggets?
- The second tax apron is a hard cap set roughly $10–15 million above the luxury-tax line. Crossing it triggers severe penalties, including reduced mid-level exceptions and draft-pick forfeiture. Denver is projected to finish this season $25 million above the threshold.
- Which players are driving Denver’s salary-cap crunch?
- Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Cam Johnson carry long-term cap hits. Peyton Watson’s restricted free agency in 2025 adds another projected raise, pushing the Nuggets toward the second apron.
- How will the Nuggets stay under the second tax apron?
- GM Calvin Booth is exploring salary dumps via expiring contracts and trade packages. The front office may use draft capital, buyout targets, or mid-tier starter deals to clear space before Watson’s new deal.
- Who did the Nuggets acquire in the draft trade?
- Denver received picks No. 44, No. 51, and No. 60 from San Antonio in exchange for the 26th overall selection.
- What’s next for Peyton Watson’s contract?
- Watson is set for restricted free agency in 2025. His projected raise would push Denver past the second tax apron, forcing the Nuggets to engineer a roster reshuffle or absorb the cost via cap exceptions.
