Peyton Watson, who was dealt to the Cavaliers in a sign-and-trade transaction, posted a farewell message to Nuggets fans on Instagram.

“Nuggets Nation and the city of Denver, thank you for having me for the first four years of my career. As a young NBA player, who was a bit naive and hadn’t seen much of the real world, you guys took care of me better than I could have ever imagined. Thanks for that. Playing this game every night on the national stage is difficult on both the body and the mind, but the love from the fans always makes it so worthwhile.”

Here’s more from the Northwest Division:

• Losing Watson and essentially replacing him with 37-year-old DeMar DeRozan will come at the expense of floor-spacing around Nikola Jokic, according to ESPN Insiders in their offseason review of the Nuggets. The Nuggets didn’t get to reap the long-term rewards of developing Watson from a raw reserve into a major contributor. However, ESPN projects Denver will still wind up with at least 50 wins for the fifth straight season.
• Timberwolves co-owner Alex Rodriguez posted a statement on Twitter regarding Marc Lore’s decision to sell his controlling interest to  Marc Stad. Rodriguez indicated he would be increasing his stake in the franchise and expanding his role. “One of the great joys I’ve had in my career is spending the last few years helping build the Timberwolves and Lynx with my friend and partner Marc Lore. I’m very excited to announce that this incredible journey reaches a new level,” he wrote. “Marc and Elisa Stad, who have been our partners and friends since we bought the teams, will be increasing their investment and joining me as Co-Chairman. I will also be increasing my investment and spending even more time with the teams as Co-Chairman, Governor of the Lynx, and alternate Governor of the Timberwolves, pending league approval. While Marc Lore will be reducing his role and ownership to focus on his business, he remains an investor and a key part of our partnership. I could not be more energized about this evolution and what we’re all going to do together for the Twin Cities.”
• The Trail Blazers will honor Rick Adelman with a band on our jerseys for the 2026/27 season as well as a tribute game on Dec. 15 against the Nuggets, the team tweets. Adelman was the team’s head coach from 1970-73 and 1989-94. The Hall of Fame coach passed away on June 1.