The Nuggets' risky offseason decision could shape their title hopes for 2025-26.
Nuggets’ Cameron Johnson trade named one of NBA's ‘boldest’ offseason moves originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Denver Nuggets are looking to rebound from a Western Conference semifinals loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder last season and are gearing up for another deep playoff run.
The Nuggets have fallen in the second round in back-to-back seasons following their championship in 2023. In an effort to bolster its championship-caliber roster alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, Denver traded Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick for Cameron Johnson this summer.
While Porter has proven to be a dangerous offensive weapon and sharpshooter, Johnson is a better defender and passer who has also shot 39.2 percent from beyond the arc over his six-year career.
MORE: Nuggets trade idea flips Peyton Watson for Jamal Murray backup
Cameron Johnson trade ranked 7th ‘boldest’ offseason move
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently compiled a list of the NBA's boldest offseason moves ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, placing the Nuggets’ blockbuster trade at No. 7.
“Both are capable three-point shooting wings, but Johnson's lower salary ($20.5 million-$24.7 million for 2025-26, depending on incentives) compared to Porter's $38.3 million gives the Nuggets some breathing room to possibly get under the luxury tax before the end of the season,” he wrote. “The downside is that Johnson has reached 60 games just twice in six years (with various injuries) — and that distant pick may be beyond Jokic's tenure with the club.”
Coming in second in MVP voting, Jokic averaged career highs in points (29.6), assists (10.2), steals (1.8), three-pointers made (2.0) and three-point shooting percentage (41.7 percent) in 2024-25. The Nuggets will aim to maximize his prime years, and swapping Porter for Johnson could help them do so.
However, trading away a key contributor from the team's 2023 championship roster is a risky decision. The Western Conference remains stacked, and Johnson's production will be crucial for Denver's title hopes.
Still, with arguably the best player in the world in Jokic and a tweaked roster, the sky remains the limit for the Nuggets.
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