The Denver Nuggets are taking significant steps to enhance their roster in pursuit of another championship title. Forward Michael Porter Jr. has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets, accompanied by a 2032 first-round draft pick, in exchange for forward Cam Johnson, a move reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
This trade not only procures Johnson, who shares a comparable statistical profile with Porter Jr., but it also alleviates the Nuggets from the hefty $38 million cap hit associated with Porter Jr. for the 2025-26 season. Instead, the team will be dealing with a more manageable $21 million cap hit from Johnson, allowing greater flexibility to acquire additional talent during the off-season.
Porter Jr. played a pivotal role in the Nuggets’ championship victory in 2023, boasting averages of 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, with impressive shooting percentages of 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. However, his performance peaked in the regular season, with his post-season statistics reflecting a struggle, averaging only 9.1 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 39.2% from the field and 34.3% from beyond the arc.
In contrast, the 29-year-old Johnson had a standout season, achieving career-highs in points (18.8), assists (3.4), and field-goal percentage (47.5), alongside 4.3 rebounds and a 39.0% three-point shooting accuracy. Johnson has shown consistent growth and was considered a significant asset last season before the Nets decided to keep him through the summer following his acquisition in the significant trade that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix.
This strategic move by the Nuggets not only signals their commitment to enhancing their squad but also reflects a willingness to make tough decisions for the sake of future contention. With Johnson on board, the Nuggets hope to maintain their competitive edge in the league.
The trade has the potential to revitalize the Nuggets’ lineup while providing them with the flexibility they need, creating an optimistic outlook for next season as they aim to defend their title.