Watson explains why joining Cleveland as a free agent made sense

Peyton Watson, a restricted free agent, has said Cleveland wasn't among the first teams to show interest in him, but once the Cavaliers began pursuing the 23-year-old forward, he saw the fit working for both sides. He's said to be eager to show off his all-around game there.

Watson said James Harden's personal outreach mattered most among the Cavaliers who recruited him, recalling growing up inspired by Harden in Southern California and saying the call left him feeling embraced by the team from day one.

He signed with Cleveland in free agency, joining a roster that also includes Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.