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NBA trade grades: Is Peyton Watson a good fit with Cavs? What’s next for Nuggets?

Published

1 hour ago

August 20, 2026

Multiple sagas have been unfolding during the NBA offseason. One has been the Denver Nuggets potentially tightening payroll, even though their team has to find ways to remain near the top of the brutal Western Conference. Another has been the restricted free agency of Peyton Watson. And, of course, we have the Cleveland Cavaliers trying to become true contenders in the East and making sure they duck under the second-apron payroll threshold.

At least some of these things have been addressed. The Nuggets are sending Watson to Cleveland, where he will ink a four-year, $88 million deal. The Cavaliers are sending Max Strus to the LA Clippers and draft capital to Denver. They’re also sending the recently acquired Tre Mann to the Washington Wizards, with Cam Whitmore headed to Cleveland and Julian Reese headed to Denver. According to ESPN, which first reported the trade, last week’s reported Cavs-Hornets deal involving Mann and Dennis Schröder will make this a five-team transaction overall.

What does this all mean for the teams involved? Is there another deal to be made by the Nuggets? Is Cleveland getting the right guy with Watson? Let’s bust out the red ink and slap some grades on this trade.

Cavaliers receive Peyton Watson, Cam Whitmore

This move is a risk, but it’s a risk worth taking.

Watson saw a career year across the board (14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 49.1/41.1/73.0 shooting splits) during his 54-game campaign with Denver. But a lot of that bump in production was carried by a 17-game stretch in January and early February before he hurt his hamstring. During that stretch, Watson was averaging 22.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.4 blocks and 49.8/46.2/70.3 shooting splits. A lot of that production came while Nikola Jokić was nursing a knee injury. Before that, Watson was having a modest season.

Do you believe Watson unlocked something during that stretch of games, or was it an aberration? We know Watson is a very good defender, and he’s been a respectable 3-point shooter in his brief career. It’s doubtful that he’s a guy who can just drop 20 points per game regularly, but he did show there is potentially more to his game than previously seen. Cleveland has struggled to find wings next to Donovan Mitchell and whichever All-Star lead guard it’s employing next to Mitchell. In theory, Watson should be able to solve that problem.

The Cavs still need to re-sign James Harden, which will push them above the first-apron threshold of $209 million. It could have them just below the second apron as well.

Grade: B+

The most confusing team of the NBA offseason

Esfandiar Baraheni

Nuggets receive 2031 first-round pick, 2032 second-round pick, Julian Reese

There’s an assumption out there that shedding Watson and his potential salary will open up the Nuggets to pursue and sign veteran DeMar DeRozan. If they’re able to sign DeRozan thanks to this deal, it bumps up the grade a little more.

DeRozan would definitely help with some offense and shot creation. The problem, though, is the Nuggets aren’t really in need of a lot more offense. They need defenders to help slow down the opposition. At this stage, DeRozan, who turned 37 earlier this month, isn’t exactly a top-notch defender. That’s where Watson staying in town would have actually helped, but the Nuggets were never going to pay him $22 million per season. Their offers to him were much lower, and he was seeking a deal in the neighborhood of what the team gave Christian Braun ($125 million over five years) before last season.

Denver does get a 2031 unprotected first-round pick from Cleveland. That’s a nice asset to have, especially if you believe Cleveland will fall apart enough in four years to make that pick more valuable. The Nuggets sent out their 2031 first-round pick when they moved Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson, so they’re getting a first back for that draft. Is it possible DeRozan (if signed) gives them more than Watson would have, and at a much cheaper salary? Absolutely. Is what DeRozan would/could give them what they need? I question that.

The 2032 second-round pick comes via Sacramento, and the Nuggets are expected to waive Reese’s two-way contract. Already, we’ve seen more criticism that the Nuggets are going to waste the remaining Jokić years. That thought will ease up a bit if they sign DeRozan, but I’m not sure this qualifies as keeping up with OKC and San Antonio in the West.

Grade: C

Clippers receive Max Strus

Strus battled injuries with Cleveland and has only played in 62 games over the last two seasons. When he’s healthy, he’s a very good 3-point shooter and someone who can attack a closeout and play solid defense. The Clippers need plenty of guys like that, and they’re giving up virtually nothing to get him.

Strus is entering the final year of his deal, making $16.6 million this season. He’ll either be a valuable wing for the Clippers as they navigate a post-Kawhi Leonard existence (assuming that trade with Toronto goes through). Or the Clippers will be able to flip Strus to a contender at the trade deadline and get back something of value. This is a pretty easy move for the Clippers.

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Strus is a 37.0 percent 3-point shooter for his career and has been over 38 percent in three of the last five seasons. But he has to remain on the floor for that to be a positive for the Clippers. Either way, I like the swing.

Grade: A-

Wizards receive Tre Mann, 2027 second-round pick, cash

Mann has the potential to be a really good pickup.

We’ve seen flashes of him scoring in flurries, and at times, he’s a pretty deadly 3-point shooter. However, he hasn’t shown enough in his career to consider him anything more than streaky. He had a very reduced role on Charlotte last season, as the Hornets became more serious about winning basketball games. He also shot the ball horribly pretty much the entire season. Mann is the type of guard the Wizards need off the bench. He might get you 15-20 points on any given night. He’ll push the young guys in practice and for minutes/role. The 25-year-old has also shown himself to be a capable passer and creator in certain spots.

Even though the Wizards have Trae Young and Anthony Davis, as well as Khris Middleton and Deandre Ayton, there is still a dearth of veteran presence on this roster. Most of the other guys are very young with little experience. Mann has only played in five seasons, totaling 234 games, but he did come from the OKC system, and the Thunder usually don’t bring in guys who can’t play and contribute. The Wizards are hoping to get that potential realized within their rotation.

Grade: B+

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Sky Sports | Snooker News

Published

5 minutes ago

August 20, 2026

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Sports

Rory McIlroy warns of ‘tough road back’ for LIV Golf stars eyeing PGA Tour return and questions the value they offer | Golf News

Published

11 minutes ago

August 20, 2026

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Rory McIlroy has warned that it could be a ‘tough road back’ for LIV Golf players wanting to return to the PGA Tour and has questioned the value they would offer.

The LIV Golf League faces an uncertain future, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirming earlier this year it would not fund the circuit beyond 2026 and the season-ending Team Championship in Michigan cancelled.

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil has previously outlined the circuit is ‘building the next chapter’ and has an unnamed lead investor to try and keep the league running, although many players are understood to be weighing up their options.

Brooks Koepka was allowed back via the returning member program in February and Patrick Reed is eligible to feature from September, while Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are among the high-profile players linked with PGA Tour returns.

When asked whether LIV Golf players should be allowed to return to the PGA Tour, McIlroy said ahead of the BMW Championship: “I would argue have they brought value to LIV? I think the PGA Tour’s in a really good spot.”

McIlroy added: “Eventually they will [be welcomed back]. I’m not part of these discussions but I’m pretty sure they’re not going to be welcomed back straight away.

“If they were offered this returning member program back in February, the one that Brooks [Koepka] took, then yeah, maybe, but that has come and gone.

“I think it was said at the time that the deal that they might get going forward, if they do decide to come back, isn’t going to be as good as the one that Brooks got. I would say it’s going to be a tough road back.”

LIV Golf remain hopeful their 2027 schedule can feature five marquee Team Championships across five continents, with five team Signature Events positioned around majors, although McIlroy believes the PGA Tour remains the circuit for the world’s best to play.

“I think I feel like I’ve kept my position consistent that LIV has never been a good thing for the game,” McIlroy explained. “Whatever 2.0 looks like, if it even happens, they say they’re trying to be more collaborative and all that.

“This [PGA Tour] is the best platform for the top professional golfers in the world. Were there some things at the start of LIV that the PGA Tour could have done better? Sure.

“You think back to the start with say, Phil [Mickelson] unhappy with some stuff or whatever it was. Surely that just warranted a conversation instead of blowing the entire professional game up and doing something else?

“I don’t take any personal satisfaction of people losing jobs – that doesn’t seem right. I’ve always felt like this is the best place to play professional golf. I’m pretty sure if the PGA Tour were handed $6bn it would have done a better job with it.”

‘Some LIV players would offer PGA Tour value’

Tyrrell Hatton and Joaquin Niemann are among the others to have won on LIV Golf this season, although Scottie Scheffler expects to see any players wishing to return penalised before reappearing on the DP World Tour.

“When we talk about the best players [in the world], LIV has a few players that are really good,” Scheffler explained. “I think the depth that we have on our tour is bit unmatched.

“I think when you look at the higher levels of LIV Golf there’s definitely some players that would provide a lot of value to the [PGA] Tour and guys that I love competing against.

“I think going forward there obviously has to be some sort of penalties. What those are, I’ll let [Brian] Rolapp [PGA Tour CEO] and all those guys figure it out. Whatever happens with LIV, whether those guys want to leave, you’ve got to ask them.

“I think, for me, being able to compete against the best players in the world [is what he wants]. There’s certainly some guys on that tour [LIV Golf] that can compete out here. I look forward to the chance to compete with them more often.”

Live coverage of the BMW Championship begins on Thursday from 3pm on Sky Sports+ and 5.30pm on Sky Sports Golf. Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.

Sports

England skittle Pakistan for 171 on Joe Root’s return as Test captain with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue taking five-wicket hauls at Headingley | Cricket News

Published

19 minutes ago

August 20, 2026

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Joe Root’s second spell as England Test captain began with his side skittling Pakistan for 171 at Headingley as Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each bagged five-wicket hauls around a lengthy rain delay and a brief fightback from the tourists.

Root is back in charge following Ben Stokes’ shock international retirement in June and charged with turning around the team’s fortunes after seven defeats and just one win in their last 10 games, across fixtures against India, Australia and New Zealand.

Bar wet weather preventing any play from 11.50pm-1.45pm, and Abdullah Shafique (61) and Imam-ul-Haq (42) putting on a stand of 91 from 6-2, this was an excellent day for Root, with Pakistan rolled in 48.1 overs before the hosts closed on 112-2 in reply, trailing by 59.

England lost Ben Duckett (15) lbw and Emilio Gay (33) caught at slip, to Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali respectively, leaving Jordan Cox (23no) – into the side at No 3 in place of the injured Jacob Bethell – and Root (37no) to usher the side to the 7.30pm stumps with an unbroken stand of 64.

The day had been extended after the earlier rain, which could return in droves on day two.

Root – whose first stint in charge from 2017-2022 preceded the fabulously entertaining but ultimately flawed Bazball era – had no hesitation in bowling after winning the toss under leaden skies on his home ground and that decision reaped immediate rewards.

Robinson (5-51) inflicted a platinum duck on Azan Awais, trapping the opener lbw from around the wicket as a wicket fell to the first ball of a Test match in England for the first time in 19 years, and then pinned Shan Masood (5) leg before from over the wicket.

Pakistan battled to 23-2 from 9.4 overs before the rain arrived, during which time England burned two reviews looking for further breakthroughs, and then progressed to 97-3 once play resumed, only for Tongue (5-46) nicking off Imam to trigger a collapse.

The away side lost their final eight wickets for 74 and last five for 21, with the clatter including Robinson bowling Shafique with a beauty that jagged in prodigiously and the same bowler pinning Saud Shakeel (5) lbw after the batter took two long to request a review that would have saved him – the ball was set to soar over leg stump.

Tongue’s hat-trick hopes dashed as Pakistan razed

Tongue was on a hat-trick as the players emerged after tea having bowled stand-in Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha (21) – who is deputising for Babar Azam (hand) – through the gate and then trapped Ali Usman (0) lbw before the break.

Pakistan No 9 Khurram Shahzad (14) denied Tongue that magic moment, with a crunching cover-driven four, but Tongue snared a fourth Test five-for by going on to remove Mohammad Rizwan (12) lbw and obliterate the off stump of Abbas (2).

Robinson’s fifth five-for in the format, and second of the summer, could have come two balls earlier than it did, only for Gus Atkinson to spill Khurram’s hack to mid-on, yet Atkinson made no mistake shortly after when Khurram sliced down the ground once again.

This is the skilful Robinson’s first Test since the series opener against New Zealand at Lord’s, a game in which he bagged a triple-wicket maiden, seven wickets all told and was named Player of the Match, and he bowled with immense accuracy and control here, too.

The same could not be said of Jofra Archer (0-26 from nine overs), who struggled with his line and length at times – conceding 12 runs off his fourth over – and looked very much like a man who has had a diet of white-ball cricket over the last few months.

Archer, who was hooked after two overs after sharing the new ball with Robinson, should be better for the runout.

Shafique had entered this Test off the back of a fifty in the sole warm-up against a County Select XI last week and an unbeaten 160 in the Test win in the West Indies earlier this month.

He looked well attuned to red-ball cricket – once he had survived a one-sided early tussle with Tongue, that is – as he compiled a sixth Test fifty, from 82 deliveries, before falling to Robinson’s jaffa.

England opener Gay had bagged a pair playing for the County XI against Pakistan in that aforementioned tune-up fixture in Beckenham but he got off the mark second ball in Leeds with a nerve-settling single and then stroked and clipped a number of pleasing boundaries before prodding to slip.

The home side could face a long wait before they bat again as Thursday’s forecast is rotten but whenever play does resume, it will do so with England in a strong position, with Abbas’ fellow Pakistan seamers Khurram and Ali unable to match his precision as they leaked runs and Root now ominously settled.

Tongue: England in a great position

England fast bowler Josh Tongue (5-46), talking to Sky Sports:

“We’re in a great position now but that first hour tomorrow morning – it might do a bit more at 11am.

“If we focus on that first hour, we can get a good lead.

“As a bowling unit, we were very good and Robinson was excellent. It was similar to his performance at Lord’s against New Zealand.

“He’s an exceptional bowler when he hits his lines and lengths and he showed that today.”

Watch day two of the first Test between England and Pakistan, at Headingley, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10.15am on Thursday (11am first ball, weather-permitting). Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW