Two High-Profile RFAs Projected To Sign Offer Sheets, Leave Their Teams

April 20, 2026 ,


 While most of the attention will be on the big name unrestricted free agents this summer in the NBA, we can't totally ignore the notable, high-profile restricted free agents that are out there as well. 

And while offer sheets haven't really been a thing in the NBA's RFA landscape in recent years, Dan Favale of Bleacher Report makes a bold prediction that one (or both) of Peyton Watson and/or Tari Eason could dash out of Denver or Houston, respectively, with a big-time offer sheet coming their way this summer. 

RFAs Peyton Watson, Tari Eason at risk of bolting on Offer Sheets

"Both the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets will verge on being prohibitively expensive next season if they don't cut costs elsewhere. Maybe they'll do just that," write Favale. "Or perhaps an aggressive offer sheet from a cap-space squad like the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls or Los Angeles Lakers scares them off," and they're forced to let these key players go.

Watson broke out with a huge season for the Nuggets this year, boosting his scoring by over six points a game to 14.6, as well as his three-point shooting to over 41%. If he hadn't missed a bunch of time due to injury, he'd be a top candidate for Most Improved Player.

But luxury tax and second apron penalties could await Denver if they're forced to match a huge offer sheet for the 23-year-old wing. 

As for Eason, we've already heard from insider Brett Siegel of Clutch Points that the LA Lakers will be "aggressively pursuing" the 24-year-old power forward this summer. 

Eason had already turned down an extension offer worth north of $100M from the Rockets, but it wasn't guaranteed, and carried injury guarantees and/or protections for Houston. The RFA may get his chance to cash in this offseason in LA.

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