Michael Porter Jr. Out, Cam Johnson In – Nuggets Reshape the Future Around Nikola Jokić

The Denver Nuggets have taken a major step into a new era by reshaping the core around franchise superstar Nikola Jokic. According to multiple reports, the Nuggets have agreed to trade Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson and a 2032 unprotected first-round pick.

The surprising move signifies a financial and tactical shift in Denver’s championship aspirations. While Porter was the team’s third-leading scorer last season, Johnson brings a slightly different profile and more financial flexibility, potentially setting up the Nuggets for a deeper and more sustainable roster in the seasons to come.

Michael Porter Jr. Era Comes to a Close

Since being drafted in 2018 and overcoming early injury setbacks, Michael Porter Jr. has grown into one of Denver’s most valuable offensive weapons. His elite shooting and athleticism at 6-foot-10 made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Last season, he averaged 18.2 points per game and provided reliable spacing alongside Jokic and Jamal Murray.

However, Porter’s high salary—set to reach an average of $38 million per year—has long been a challenge for Denver’s front office. While MPJ delivered strong offensive production, his defense remained inconsistent, and injuries continued to be a long-term concern.

Now, after helping the team win its first NBA title in 2023 and remaining a consistent scoring threat since, Porter’s time in Denver officially ends.

Cam Johnson Brings Versatility, Shooting, and Salary Relief

Cam Johnson, who is now set to join the Denver Nuggets, offers a fresh blend of two-way versatility and positional flexibility. At 6-foot-8, Johnson can defend multiple positions while knocking down shots from deep. He’s also coming off his best season as a pro, averaging 18.8 points per game with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2024-25 season.

The most appealing part of this acquisition for Denver, however, might be the salary savings. Johnson is set to earn $24 million in 2025-26, followed by $27 million in 2026-27, creating a much more manageable contract for a franchise with championship ambitions and multiple high-priced stars.

Financially, the Nuggets are saving over $15 million in cap space by moving Porter, allowing them to explore other roster upgrades. And according to team insiders, that’s precisely the plan.

Financial Flexibility Opens the Door for More Moves

With Porter Jr.’s max-level contract off the books, the Nuggets suddenly have access to the full Mid-Level Exception (MLE). This extra breathing room allows Denver to pursue free agents or trade targets they couldn’t afford previously. They also benefit from Bruce Brown’s return on a veteran minimum deal—giving them additional depth at guard for a bargain price.

While Johnson’s role is expected to be similar to Porter’s in terms of offensive production, his ability to defend wings more effectively and play in transition may unlock a different dynamic next to Jokic. His lower salary could also give Denver more options when it comes to re-signing key contributors or adding veteran help.

Why Denver Pulled the Trigger

The Nuggets’ front office is clearly prioritizing long-term flexibility without taking a step back on the court. Trading away a homegrown talent like MPJ is never easy, but the opportunity to get a similarly productive player in Cam Johnson, plus a future first-round pick, made the decision more palatable.

Denver knows it has a window with Nikola Jokic in his prime. The team also knows that sustainability matters—especially as Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and others continue to demand sizable chunks of the payroll.

By moving Porter now, the Nuggets are protecting their future and creating space to stay competitive around their MVP centerpiece.

Cam Johnson’s Fit with Nikola Jokic

What makes this trade particularly interesting is how Cam Johnson fits into Denver’s system. His skillset aligns well with Jokic’s playmaking brilliance. Johnson is an elite catch-and-shoot threat, hitting over 41% from beyond the arc last season. He moves well off the ball, fills the lanes in transition, and can hold his own defensively against perimeter scorers.

Playing next to a passing genius like Jokic, Johnson will have more open looks than ever before. He’s also likely to benefit from Denver’s motion offense, which thrives on intelligent cutting and spacing.

Defensively, Johnson may even be an upgrade over Porter. While MPJ’s size allowed him to contest shots, he struggled with lateral movement and consistency. Johnson, on the other hand, has shown the ability to switch onto guards and wings, which could help Denver stay more flexible in crunch time.

Brooklyn Nets Take a Swing on Upside

From Brooklyn’s perspective, acquiring Michael Porter Jr. is a gamble worth taking. The Nets are in a rebuilding phase, and adding a high-ceiling scorer on a long-term contract gives them a potential centerpiece to build around.

Porter’s scoring and size are rare commodities, and if he can stay healthy, he could become a franchise-level talent. The inclusion of a 2032 unprotected first-round pick only adds to Brooklyn’s asset pool, making this a clear play for both short-term talent and long-term value.

With no pressure to contend immediately, the Nets can afford to give Porter room to grow and stay patient with his development.

Denver’s Core Enters a New Chapter

This trade doesn’t signal a teardown for Denver—it signals a new chapter. With Jokic, Murray, Gordon, and now Cam Johnson, the Nuggets still have a formidable core capable of competing for a championship.

The key difference lies in how cost-effective and defensively sound this version of the roster could be. Add in the flexibility from the MLE and potential free-agent acquisitions, and Denver is poised to stay elite while also protecting its future.

This is no longer the exact same Nuggets team that won the title in 2023—but it could be an even smarter, more versatile version of that group.

What’s Next for Denver?

Expect the Nuggets to be aggressive in using their newfound cap space. Reports suggest that the front office is already exploring ways to use the Mid-Level Exception on a veteran 3-and-D wing or a backup big man to support Jokic.

Names like Kelly Oubre Jr., Taurean Prince, and Jalen Smith have surfaced as potential targets. With Bruce Brown back in the fold and Johnson ready to plug into the starting lineup, Denver has a strong foundation in place.

But make no mistake: this summer’s moves aren’t just about staying good. They’re about staying great, year after year.

Final Thoughts

The Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson trade marks a bold turning point for the Denver Nuggets. It’s a calculated move by a front office looking to balance title contention with long-term roster sustainability.

Cam Johnson’s arrival gives Denver a player who can match Porter’s offensive output while offering better defense and significantly more financial flexibility. The added bonus of a first-round pick only sweetens the deal.

For Nikola Jokic and Nuggets fans, this isn’t the end of an era—it’s the start of a new one. And if early signs are any indication, this new core may be even better built for the battles ahead.