Denver’s Nuggets are gearing up for another shot at a championship and seem ready to make some bold moves for it.
On Monday night, they traded Michael Porter Jr. along with unprotected first-round picks for 2032 to acquire Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets. Shortly after, they welcomed back Bruce Brown from free agency. It’s interesting how one member of the 2023 Championship team exits, and another enters.
Johnson had a standout season with the Nets last year, boasting averages of 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, all while maintaining an impressive 63.2% true shooting percentage. He turned 30 in March and is recognized as one of the league’s top wing shooters. In contrast, Porter, who’s only 27, has struggled with injuries, including a shoulder issue during the 2025 playoffs.
It’s quite a steep price to give up the unprotected 2032 first-round pick for an upgrade from Porter to Johnson. Was it worth it? Let’s take a closer look.
Nuggets Trade Grades: Cameron Johnson for Michael Porter Jr.
Despite being eliminated in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Nuggets still feel they are on the verge of contending for another title. They took the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, to a decisive Game 7, and it’s fair to speculate that they might have emerged victorious if Aaron Gordon hadn’t gotten hurt early on.
Johnson fits right into what Denver needs. He’s a high-caliber three-point shooter, and his ability to score off the ball complements Nikola Jokic’s exceptional playmaking well. Although Johnson isn’t particularly noted for his defense, he still outperformed Porter last season, according to advanced metrics.
Last season, Johnson hit 39% of his three-point attempts, taking about 7.2 shots per game, and excelled at the free-throw line, shooting 89.3%. It’s true that Denver might take a hit in rebounding by swapping Porter for Johnson, but Johnson brings better passing skills to the table. While Porter has had some rough years with injuries, Johnson seems to have a healthier track record.
Moreover, Johnson’s contract is more favorable for the team. He has two years left worth $42 million, whereas Porter still has two years and $79 million remaining on his deal.
With Jokic and Aaron Gordon already established, Johnson becomes a crucial role player for the Nuggets. They’ll need to ensure Jamal Murray stays fit and effective, but this move certainly positions them closer to claiming the championship in 2026. My only concern would be the unprotected 2032 draft pick—seems like quite a hefty price to pay.
I’m generally supportive of the Nuggets using their picks as trade assets. With Jokic turning 37 in 2032, this trade reflects a commitment to seizing the current championship window while the superstar is still in his prime. The team showed some vulnerabilities against the Thunder in the playoffs, but they seem to be improving overall.
Could they have held onto that unprotected 2032 pick and brought in a better asset than Johnson? That’s the main question nagging at me. This feels like a considerable gamble for Denver’s near future, but I think it’s a good move overall.
Nuggets Grade: B+
Trade Results from Michael Porter Jr. Deal
The Nets had the only real cap space in the league when free agency kicked off, allowing them to snag valuable pieces for the unprotected 2032 pick they got from Denver. These picks will certainly help Brooklyn when they’re looking to trade for a superstar down the line, although for now, they’re focusing on rebuilding.
They’re aiming to land a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. After a less-than-stellar pick at No. 8 in 2025, they’re hoping for better luck. Porter could provide some much-needed spacing and scoring as Brooklyn continues to develop its younger talents.
The Nets have made solid moves following the Kevin Durant trade, transforming their roster into a more balanced one. With a clean cap situation and plenty of resources to trade for top talent, they’re in a strong position. If they secure a high pick in the 2026 draft, you can expect them to make significant moves sooner rather than later.
Brooklyn seems to have maximized Johnson’s value at just the right moment, though they might not be ready for a leap just yet.
Grade: A
