INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers weren't one of the first teams interested in acquiring Peyton Watson. However, once they began their pursuit of the restricted free agent, the 23-year-old forward saw how it made sense for both parties.

"They weren't one of the first teams that was speculated to be interested or one of the first teams that kind of came into the fold, but as soon as they were, they were interested," Watson said Thursday at the Cavaliers' training complex. Watson was acquired in a sign-and-trade that was part of a five-team deal in late August. He started a career-high 40 games last season with the Denver Nuggets and averaged career bests in points (14.6), rebounds (4.9) and assists (2.1).

Once Le Bron James decided he wouldn't return to Cleveland for a third stint, the Cavaliers stepped up their pursuit of Watson and eventually signed him to a four-year, $88 million contract. The Cavaliers are hoping Watson has the same impact that New York swingman OG Anunoby and Minnesota's Jaden Mc Daniels had with their teams.

Watson joins a starting lineup with Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. "I feel like it just gives me a lot more leeway and a lot more rope to be more aggressive defensively," he said. Watson made 41.1% of his 3-pointers last season but hopes to show he can be much more than a "3-and-D specialist."