A significant shift rocked the NBA landscape as the denver Nuggets reportedly agreed to trade forward Michael porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, Denver will acquire forward Cameron Johnson. This blockbuster move, breaking just as NBA free agency officially opened on June 30, 2025, signals a new strategic direction for the reigning 2023 champions under their new front office leadership and provides Brooklyn with valuable future assets. It’s a transaction driven by financial flexibility, roster fit, and varying team timelines.
Nuggets Re-Tool Around Jokic, Shed Salary in Major Deal
Sources confirmed the agreement sends the six-foot-ten Porter Jr., a key member of the Nuggets’ championship squad, to Brooklyn. While Porter Jr. has two years left on a substantial contract ($38.3 million in the upcoming season and $40.8 million in 2026-27), the move swaps his deal for Cameron Johnson’s more manageable contract ($21 million next season and $23 million the following year). This exchange results in an estimated $36 million in savings for Denver over the next two seasons.
This financial maneuver is critical for the Nuggets. It significantly reduces their luxury tax burden and importantly, opens up the majority of the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception (NT-MLE). Accessing this exception allows Denver to pursue impact free agents they otherwise couldn’t afford, providing crucial roster depth. The trade also represents the first major transaction spearheaded by Denver’s new front office duo, Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, signaling a bold start to their tenure.
Strategically, the trade is framed as Denver “re-tooling” their roster around three-time MVP Nikola Jokić following consecutive playoff exits in the Western Conference Semifinals since their 2023 title. Denver has struggled to retain key role players like Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in recent offseasons.
Financial Flexibility Paves Way for Brown’s Return
The immediate impact of the trade’s financial relief was evident. Shortly after the reported deal, the Nuggets reportedly reached an agreement to bring back fan-favorite Bruce Brown on a one-year deal. Brown, who was instrumental as a sixth man during the 2023 championship run, returns on a veteran’s minimum contract. This reunion was reportedly facilitated by the salary reduction from the Porter Jr. trade.
Brown was popular within the locker room and provided crucial versatility alongside Jokić and Jamal Murray. He averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists with Denver in 2022-23. His return addresses a depth need and brings back a proven contributor familiar with the team’s system and culture. Last season, split between Toronto and New Orleans, Brown averaged 8.3 points and 4.0 rebounds, shooting 35.6% from three-point range in New Orleans.
Cameron Johnson’s Fit and Skills
Acquiring Cameron Johnson is intended to improve Denver’s roster fit, particularly around Jokić. Johnson, a six-foot-eight forward, is recognized as a high-level floor spacer and off-ball threat. He averaged a career-high 18.8 points last season with the Nets, shooting an impressive 39% from three-point range on high volume (7.2 attempts per game). This shooting proficiency is considered comparable to Porter Jr.’s recent mark (39.6% on over six attempts over the past two years).
While known as a “3-and-D” player, Johnson reportedly developed more shot creation ability last season in Brooklyn, adding another dimension to his game. He is also noted as a better passer than Porter Jr. and gets to the free-throw line more often, although rebounding might decrease for Denver in the swap. “I’m excited!” Johnson told Andscape regarding the opportunity to compete with the league’s best.
A concern for Johnson has been his injury history; he has not played more than 60 regular-season games since the 2021-22 season. Despite this, some analysis suggests he could be potentially more durable than Porter Jr., who has dealt with back and foot issues and played through a shoulder injury in the recent 2025 playoffs, which reportedly impacted his shooting performance during Denver’s seven-game loss to the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Michael Porter Jr.’s Legacy in Denver
For the Nets, they acquire Michael Porter Jr., who spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Nuggets. Porter Jr. averaged 18.2 points and 7 rebounds in 77 games last season, starting all of them. He was a critical piece in their 2023 championship run. The trade provides Brooklyn with a career 40% three-point shooter.
Porter Jr. departs Denver ranking second in franchise history for made three-pointers with 843, trailing only Jamal Murray. While a “stunning development” to trade him after his contributions, especially given his recent career-high scoring average, the move reflects the strategic priority placed on financial flexibility and perceived roster fit moving forward.
Brooklyn’s Rebuilding Strategy Continues
From the Brooklyn Nets’ perspective, the trade is seen as an excellent move aligning with their multi-year rebuilding plan. By trading Cameron Johnson, who was acquired in the 2023 Kevin Durant trade package and had a career year, the Nets capitalize on his value. Johnson, turning 30, was considered to have “no place on a rebuilding team.”
The main prize for Brooklyn is the unprotected 2032 first-round draft pick. This adds another valuable future asset to the Nets’ already impressive collection of draft capital, often referred to as crucial “ammunition” for future trades when they are ready to acquire a superstar.
Michael Porter Jr., while not fitting the age timeline of a core rebuilding piece, provides the Nets with a talented scoring wing who can offer spacing and shooting. He could potentially feature in a more prominent role than he had with the star-laden Nuggets, which could aid the development of Brooklyn’s young ball handlers. This trade is seen as a successful continuation of the Nets’ strategy of effectively flipping assets acquired from previous blockbuster deals.
Potential Free Agent Targets for Denver
The financial flexibility gained by trading Michael Porter Jr., specifically the access to the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, opens up new possibilities for the Nuggets in free agency. While the return of Bruce Brown addresses one need, the NT-MLE allows them to target more impactful players. Several potential options have been identified based on fit and availability:
Al Horford: A highly attractive target, described as an almost ideal fit. Horford, who turned 39 in June 2025, is a switchable, floor-spacing big with championship experience. He could back up Jokić or play alongside him. His age might mean he’s open to a one-year deal, perfectly aligning with Denver’s financial timeline before Christian Braun’s potential extension.
Guerschon Yabusele: A forward who revived his NBA career after a strong performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading to a contract with Philadelphia. He is available and expected to command more than the veteran minimum. Last season, he averaged 11 points and 5.6 rebounds, shooting 38% from three-point range.
Chris Boucher: A versatile big man previously on Denver’s radar. His ability to shoot threes, protect the rim, and defend the perimeter makes him a good fit. The NT-MLE allows Denver to make a competitive offer, though potentially not the full amount.
Chris Paul: A veteran point guard who could provide backup minutes behind Jamal Murray. At 39, Paul could offer a respectable assist-to-turnover ratio (7.4 assists vs. 1.6 turnovers last season with San Antonio). The NT-MLE could fund a “pretty respectful offer,” though proximity to Los Angeles might be a factor for Paul.
Deandre Ayton: An “iffy” but intriguing option after being bought out by Portland. Despite reports of moodiness and attitude concerns, the former No. 1 pick averaged 14.4 points and 10.2 rebounds last season. Acquiring him could significantly reduce the workload on Jokić, but locker room fit remains a question.
These targets highlight how the trade reshapes Denver’s immediate free agency strategy, focusing on veteran experience, defensive versatility, and specific skill sets needed to complement the existing core.
Trade Analysis and Outlook
Evaluations of the trade suggest varying outcomes for each team. The Nuggets reportedly received a B+ grade from some analysts. While the cost of an unprotected 2032 first-round pick is acknowledged as steep, the move is seen as necessary to maximize Nikola Jokić’s championship window now. Cameron Johnson is considered a better immediate fit due to his shooting, off-ball movement, passing, and potentially greater durability compared to Porter Jr. The financial savings and NT-MLE access are significant upsides, enabling further roster improvements and facilitating Bruce Brown’s return. Despite concerns about the lost pick’s future value, using it now is framed as a commitment to winning with Jokić in his prime.
The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, are often graded with an A for the transaction. This trade perfectly aligns with their rebuilding timeline, transforming a valuable asset (Cameron Johnson) who didn’t fit their long-term plans into premium draft capital. The unprotected 2032 first-round pick provides essential “ammunition” for future star acquisitions. While Michael Porter Jr. is a talented player, his value to Brooklyn is primarily as a potential piece for future packaging or a player who can provide valuable spacing for their young guards. The Nets now possess a clean cap sheet and a wealth of trade assets, putting them in an enviable position for accelerating their rebuild when the time is right.
The trade marks a new era for the Nuggets under fresh leadership, prioritizing current competitiveness and financial flexibility. For the Nets, it’s another strategic step in accumulating assets for a future resurgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Denver Nuggets trade Michael Porter Jr. to the Nets?
The Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. primarily to gain significant financial flexibility, saving an estimated $36 million over two years and getting under the luxury tax threshold. This opened up the $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception for free agency. The move also aimed to improve roster fit around Nikola Jokić, acquiring Cameron Johnson, who is seen as a comparable shooter with potentially better off-ball skills and passing, while also addressing perceived injury concerns with Porter Jr. It’s part of a strategy to re-tool and maximize their championship window.
What free agents can the Nuggets now target with the mid-level exception?
With access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception after the trade, the Nuggets can now pursue several notable free agents mentioned in reports. Potential targets include veteran big man Al Horford, forward Guerschon Yabusele, versatile big Chris Boucher, experienced point guard Chris Paul, and potentially even former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton. This financial flexibility allows Denver to add talent and depth beyond just minimum contracts to address specific roster needs.
How does this trade impact the Nuggets’ championship window?
The trade is viewed as a strategic move intended to maximize the Nuggets’ current championship window during Nikola Jokić’s prime years. By swapping Michael Porter Jr.’s larger contract for Cameron Johnson’s and gaining financial flexibility (saving money, opening the MLE), Denver aims to put a more optimized and potentially deeper roster around their superstar now*. Although they gave up a valuable future draft pick (2032 unprotected first-rounder), the decision signals a commitment to prioritize immediate contention over future assets, betting on their core to compete for titles in the coming seasons.
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The trade of Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson and a draft pick represents a pivotal moment for both the Denver Nuggets and the Brooklyn Nets. For Denver, it’s a calculated risk prioritizing immediate financial health and roster fit in pursuit of another title, enabled by the return of Bruce Brown and access to the mid-level exception. For Brooklyn, it’s a high-grade success in asset accumulation, securing valuable future draft capital to fuel their rebuild. As free agency unfolds, the full impact of this trade on the Nuggets’ roster will become clearer, showcasing how they leverage their newfound financial flexibility to build around their superstar core.
