Nuggets Shake Things Up: Cam Johnson In, Michael Porter Jr. Out
Big news just broke in the NBA world—one of the most notable trades of the offseason so far. The Denver Nuggets are sending Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson. Let that sink in: Porter, a key figure in Denver’s 2023 championship run, is on his way out, and the sharpshooting, two-way forward Cam Johnson is heading to the Mile High City.
Now, let’s talk about the why behind this deal.
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On paper, it looks like Denver is trying to reset its cap structure. Porter is still owed over $79 million across the next two seasons, while Johnson's contract comes in lighter at around $44 million during that same span. That’s a substantial difference in salary commitment, and it opens up valuable financial flexibility for the Nuggets moving forward. But it's not just about money—this move may also improve Denver’s roster balance and versatility on the court.
Michael Porter Jr. had a solid 2024–25 season, averaging 18.2 points and 7 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 50.4% from the field and nearly 40% from three-point range. No doubt, he’s a talented offensive weapon, but his game leans heavily on scoring. He’s not known for his defense or playmaking, which sometimes created gaps in Denver’s system—especially when Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray needed complementary, all-around support.
Cam Johnson, on the other hand, brings a more balanced skill set. He just finished a career-best season with the Nets, putting up 18.8 points per game while shooting a strong 47.5% overall and nearly 39% from deep. More importantly, he’s a legitimate two-way player—something Denver could really use. His ability to guard multiple positions, make smart plays, and contribute without needing the ball in his hands should blend nicely alongside Jokić’s playmaking.
Of course, giving up an unprotected 2032 first-round pick is a steep price to pay, especially that far down the line. But Denver is clearly in a win-now mode. They’re betting that Johnson can help them stay in the title mix without sacrificing as much on the defensive end, and that shedding Porter’s larger contract will open up more moves down the road.
As for the Nets, this deal screams asset accumulation. They pick up a still-young, talented scorer in Porter Jr., plus a valuable future first-round pick. Brooklyn is playing the long game here—and with the number of draft assets they’ve been collecting, they’re positioning themselves to be serious players in a few years.
Bottom line: this trade signals a strategic shift for both teams. Denver tightens its core around defense and flexibility, while Brooklyn leans further into its rebuild with another major asset haul. Whether it pays off for both sides remains to be seen—but one thing’s for sure: Cam Johnson in a Nuggets jersey is going to be something to watch.
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