Rich Paul kept Peyton Watson out of Nuggets playoffs
Agent Rich Paul told listeners on his Game Over podcast that he prevented Peyton Watson from playing in the Denver Nuggets' 2026 playoff series because of a right hamstring strain and the risk of worsening a soft tissue injury. Watson had injured the hamstring on Feb. 4, missed 19 games, returned March 22, then left April 1 with tightness and did not play in the first-round series versus Minnesota. Watson subsequently signed a four-year, $88 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers via sign-and-trade, while the Nuggets received a 2031 first-round pick, a 2032 second-round pick, and Julian Reese.
Paul advised Watson to skip the playoffs to protect his hamstring.
Context
Watson suffered a right hamstring strain on Feb. 4 and missed 19 games. Paul said he advised Watson not to play in the playoffs to avoid worse injury. Watson then signed a four-year, $88 million deal with the Cavaliers via sign-and-trade.
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