Cavaliers land Peyton Watson on $88 million deal after late push

The Cleveland Cavaliers acquired 23-year-old forward Peyton Watson in a five-team sign-and-trade and signed him to a four-year, $88 million contract after making a late push in restricted free agency. Watson, coming off career highs of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game with Denver, said Cleveland’s persistence and the opportunity to play alongside Donovan Mitchell and James Harden helped persuade him. The Cavaliers expect his size, athleticism, defense and developing offensive game to strengthen a lineup that reached the Eastern Conference finals last season. Watson said Harden was especially active in recruiting him and that he hopes to learn from both star guards. The deal carries some risk, however, as Watson’s breakout season was interrupted by hamstring problems, and his health, postseason effectiveness and ability to remain consistent will be central to Cleveland’s plans.