The Grizzlies have until February to use their $28.9 million TPE, but now could be a great time to use it. After matching an offer sheet for Spencer Jones, the Denver Nuggets find themselves in the second apron. With Denver logically needing to shed salary, the Grizzlies should look to get involved in trade talks. Now, they could face an interesting decision: should they use the TPE on Cam Johnson or join the Peyton Watson sweepstakes?
To answer that question, it's not an easy decision. Peyton Watson is the more upside-based option, while Cam Johnson is the more experienced player. But when factoring in the circumstances surrounding both players, the Grizzlies have to figure out which deal would be worth it to them.
Peyton Watson has upside but would cost more
The Grizzlies have not been named as one of the main teams interested in Peyton Watson, and the Nuggets have made an effort to re-sign him. However, the Nuggets and Watson are far off on a deal, and Watson could even consider accepting his qualifying offer to stay in Denver. With this in mind, the Grizzlies and their TPE make them a logical trade option.
Peyton Watson is currently 23 years old and coming off a career-best year, where he averaged 14.6 points, 4 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2 stocks (steals and blocks) per game. After how rapid and unexpected of a leap Watson has made, it is understandable that plenty of teams around the league would want him. But the question is, would the price to get him be worth it?
As exciting as Watson's season was, he played in 54 games (40 starts), and it remains to be seen how consistent his three-point shooting will remain. While Watson missed the playoffs this past season due to injury, he hasn't yet shown comfort in a playoff setting. With Watson seeking at least $25 million a season, that is a risk that any team trading for him would have to be willing to take.
But his upside remains incredibly intriguing, and this season is a strong indicator that he is not done improving.
Cam Johnson could be more attainable for the Grizzlies
Denver brought in Cam Johnson as a key piece in the Michael Porter Jr. deal. While Johnson and the Nuggets as a whole didn't live up to expectations, there is still plenty to like about him as a trade target. This past season, Cam Johnson averaged 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while also making 43% of his threes.
Entering his 9th season, Cam Johnson brings plenty of experience and could be a solid supporting piece in the Grizzlies' offense. Plus, when considering cost, the Grizzlies wouldn't have to give up as much for Johnson as a Peyton Watson.
With Denver's asking price being around a first-round pick and a "high-level" player for Watson, the Grizzlies would be getting Johnson's last year of his deal for a much lower price. Johnson is owed $23.06 million for next season and would fit perfectly into the Grizzlies' TPE. Plus, they wouldn't have to give up nearly as much as far as draft capital goes.
The Grizzlies have an exciting opportunity to capitalize on Denver's need to shed salary, but they have to decide whether to aim for upside or get a more established player.
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