Nuggets Trade Pitch: Chicago’s 12.3 PPG Scorer Ayo Dosunmu Heads to Denver for Peyton Watson in Blockbuster Deal

The Denver Nuggets, fresh off a disappointing playoff exit in the 2025 Western Conference semifinals, are actively seeking ways to bolster their roster around three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. A recent trade proposal by Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale has sparked intense discussion among fans and analysts, suggesting a three-team deal that would send Chicago Bulls’ rising star Ayo Dosunmu, a 12.3 points-per-game scorer, to Denver in exchange for promising young forward Peyton Watson, among other assets. This trade pitch, which also involves the Washington Wizards, aims to address Denver’s need for backcourt depth while providing Chicago with young talent and draft capital. As the February 2026 trade deadline looms, this proposal could reshape the Nuggets’ championship aspirations and the Bulls’ rebuilding efforts.

The Trade Proposal Breakdown

According to the mock trade outlined by Favale, the deal is structured as follows:

• Denver Nuggets receive: Ayo Dosunmu (Chicago Bulls), Justin Champagnie (Washington Wizards)
• Chicago Bulls receive: Peyton Watson (Denver Nuggets), Zeke Nnaji (Denver Nuggets), a 2026 second-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick swap (top-10 protected via Denver)
• Washington Wizards receive: A 2032 second-round pick (via Denver)

This trade aims to address specific needs for all three teams. For Denver, Dosunmu’s scoring and playmaking would bolster their second unit, providing much-needed backcourt support behind Jamal Murray. For Chicago, Watson and Nnaji represent young, high-upside players who fit their rebuilding timeline, while the draft assets offer future flexibility. The Wizards, meanwhile, gain a distant draft pick to aid their ongoing roster overhaul.

Why Denver Needs Ayo Dosunmu

The Nuggets’ 2024-25 season ended with a 28-17 record before a Game 7 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Despite significant offseason moves—trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson, acquiring Jonas Valančiūnas, and signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown—Denver’s bench scoring and guard depth remain areas of concern. Jamal Murray’s injury history and inconsistent play in the playoffs have highlighted the need for a reliable secondary ball-handler.

Ayo Dosunmu, a 25-year-old guard in his fifth NBA season, fits the bill perfectly. During the 2024-25 season, Dosunmu averaged 12.3 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, shooting 48.7% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range. His ability to create his own shot, facilitate for teammates, and defend multiple positions makes him an ideal fit alongside Jokić. Dosunmu’s performance in the Bulls’ January 27, 2025, game against Denver—where he scored efficiently against Murray and Watson—demonstrated his potential to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Dosunmu’s versatility would allow him to play both on and off the ball, complementing Murray and Christian Braun in Denver’s backcourt. His ability to attack the rim (50.1% of his shots come at the basket) and draw fouls would add a dynamic element to the Nuggets’ offense, which often relies heavily on Jokić’s playmaking. Moreover, Dosunmu’s contract—three years, $21 million, with a team option in 2026-27—is cost-effective, allowing Denver to maintain financial flexibility under the NBA’s luxury tax constraints.

The Cost: Losing Peyton Watson

For Denver, the trade’s biggest sacrifice is Peyton Watson, a 23-year-old forward entering the final year of his rookie contract. Selected 30th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Watson has shown flashes of brilliance as a two-way player, averaging 6.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in 2024-25. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and improving three-point shooting (34.8% on low volume) make him a valuable asset. However, with Christian Braun also on a similar timeline as a restricted free agent in 2026, the Nuggets face a roster crunch, making Watson expendable in the right deal.

Watson’s potential is undeniable, but his role in Denver’s rotation has been inconsistent, often overshadowed by starters like Aaron Gordon and Cameron Johnson. Trading him for Dosunmu would represent a shift in priorities, prioritizing immediate backcourt help over long-term frontcourt depth. The inclusion of Zeke Nnaji, a 24-year-old big man with a $23.2 million contract over three years, helps balance the salaries but adds a less appealing asset for Chicago due to Nnaji’s limited role in Denver’s rotation.

Chicago’s Perspective: Building for the Future

The Chicago Bulls, sitting at 19-27 as of January 27, 2025, are in the midst of a rebuild after years of mediocrity. Trading Dosunmu, a homegrown talent and fan favorite, would be a tough pill to swallow, but the return of Watson, Nnaji, and draft assets aligns with their long-term vision. Watson, in particular, is a prize for Chicago. His defensive prowess and upside as a 6-foot-8 wing make him a potential cornerstone for a team lacking two-way players.

Nnaji, while less proven, offers frontcourt depth and the potential to develop into a stretch big, though his $8 million annual salary is a slight overpay for his current production. The 2026 second-round pick and 2028 first-round pick swap (top-10 protected) provide Chicago with additional assets to either trade or use in their rebuild. For a Bulls team rumored to be shopping stars like Zach LaVine, moving Dosunmu could signal a full commitment to youth and flexibility.

The Wizards’ Role

The Wizards’ involvement in the trade is minimal but strategic. By absorbing a 2032 second-round pick, they gain a small asset for their ongoing rebuild without sacrificing significant roster pieces. Justin Champagnie, a 24-year-old wing with limited NBA experience, is a low-risk addition for Denver, offering depth and hustle off the bench. His inclusion is largely a salary-matching move, but his 6-foot-6 frame and defensive energy could earn him spot minutes in Denver’s rotation.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

The trade pitch has sparked lively debate on platforms like X. Nuggets fans are torn, with some excited about Dosunmu’s scoring punch and others reluctant to part with Watson’s potential. “Ayo is exactly what we need to take pressure off Jokić and Murray,” one fan posted, while another countered, “Watson’s defense is too valuable to give up for a bench guard.” Bulls fans, meanwhile, are skeptical about losing Dosunmu, with one user writing, “Peyton Watson’s nice, but Ayo’s our heart and soul. This better be worth it.”

Analysts have praised the trade’s creativity but question its execution. ESPN’s Zach Lowe noted, “Dosunmu gives Denver a spark, but Watson’s ceiling is higher. The Nuggets are betting on now, not later.” Bleacher Report’s Favale defended the deal, arguing, “Denver’s window with Jokić is now. Ayo’s plug-and-play fit outweighs Watson’s unproven upside.” The trade’s success hinges on Dosunmu’s ability to elevate Denver’s second unit and Watson’s development in Chicago.

Strategic Implications for Denver

For the Nuggets, this trade aligns with their championship-or-bust mentality. With Jokić in his prime at 30 years old, Denver cannot afford another playoff disappointment. Dosunmu’s ability to run the second unit, create shots, and defend opposing guards would address a critical weakness exposed in their loss to Oklahoma City. His synergy with Jokić in pick-and-roll situations could unlock new offensive wrinkles, while his defensive tenacity would complement Braun and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

However, losing Watson carries risks. His length and athleticism make him a unique defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. If he blossoms into a star in Chicago, Denver could regret the move. The draft assets included—a second-round pick and a protected pick swap—are relatively low-cost, but they further deplete Denver’s already thin draft capital, a concern given their lack of first-round picks in the coming years.

Chicago’s Rebuilding Strategy

For the Bulls, trading Dosunmu signals a shift toward youth and future assets. Watson’s defensive versatility and potential as a three-and-D wing fit perfectly alongside Chicago’s young core, including Coby White and Patrick Williams. Nnaji, while a question mark, adds depth to a frontcourt thin on upside beyond Nikola Vučević. The draft picks provide flexibility, either to draft new talent or package in future trades for a star.

The trade also frees up minutes for younger guards like Josh Giddey, acquired in the offseason, and rookie Matas Buzelis. However, losing Dosunmu’s leadership and efficiency could hurt Chicago’s short-term competitiveness, especially in a crowded Eastern Conference.

Feasibility and Challenges

The trade’s feasibility depends on several factors. Denver must weigh whether Dosunmu’s immediate impact outweighs Watson’s long-term potential, especially with both players approaching restricted free agency in 2026. Chicago must decide if Watson and Nnaji, plus modest draft capital, justify parting with a proven starter. The Wizards’ role is straightforward, but their willingness to facilitate the deal hinges on their valuation of a distant second-round pick.

Salary matching is not an issue, as Dosunmu’s $7 million salary aligns closely with Watson’s $2.3 million and Nnaji’s $8.2 million. However, the trade deadline’s proximity—less than five months away as of September 9, 2025—adds urgency. Denver’s reported interest in other guards, like Zach LaVine and Jordan Poole, suggests they are exploring multiple options, which could complicate negotiations.

The proposed trade sending Ayo Dosunmu to Denver for Peyton Watson is a bold move that reflects both teams’ divergent goals. For the Nuggets, it’s a win-now play to maximize Jokić’s prime, adding a versatile guard who can lighten the offensive load. For the Bulls, it’s a step toward a youth-driven rebuild, banking on Watson’s upside and future draft assets. While not without risks, the deal offers mutual benefits and could reshape both franchises’ trajectories. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Denver and Chicago to see if this blockbuster comes to fruition.