Why the Clippers Should Acquire Peyton Watson

Peyton Watson’s name has been rumored to the Clippers since the start of free agency. If the Clippers get him, I believe he may have the highest potential on the roster. Here’s why:

Peyton Watson right now is a mix of elite defense and elite three-point shooting but he’s not just a traditional 3-and-D player. His ability to attack the paint, pass, and score at all three levels makes him a true well-rounded threat.

At worst, I can see him being a Jaden McDaniels variant. McDaniels is an all-defensive level defender that can shoot the ball well while averaging 15 points. Watson is expecting a contract similar to McDaniel’s as well which is near 28 million per year. If McDaniel’s is capable of getting this contract, I believe it should be a no-brainer to sign (or trade for) Watson for this type of money considering his much higher offensive upside.

During the first week of January 2026, Watson won player of the week while averaging 24.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.1 STOCKS. His production on the court can immediately allow him to replace either Kris Dunn or Derrick Jones Jr while replacing both players with a much more polished offensive player.

The reason I say Watson has the most potential is because as for Brandon Ingram, we already know who he is. He’ll give you 20-30 points every night and have hot nights where he looks like the most complete scorer ever but his potential is not much higher than this at this point in his career (entering year 12).

Darius Garland also has star potential and he showed a lot of it during his tenure with the Clippers. There’s speculation he can take a 2015 Steph Curry leap and be a truly elite player (some of this speculation was started by me) but it’s a clear reach expecting anyone to reach Curry level.

Wagler also has star potential which is why the Clippers drafted him at five. Watson being more well-rounded than Wagler with less notable flaws so far is a reason I would put Watson’s star potential to be more likely at the moment, although Wagler’s ceiling may be higher. Watson’s floor, however, is high than Wagler’s.

Beggars can’t be choosers, but if the Clippers can acquire Peyton Watson while retaining Bennedict Mathurin, this would be an A+ offseason to me.