Denver Makes Big Trade: Trade Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and Brings Back Bruce Brown

Trade Background

On June 30, 2025, the Denver Nuggets made a splash in the NBA free agency by announcing a major trade with the Brooklyn Nets. According to ESPN, the Nuggets sent Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 unprotected first-round pick in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson. Shortly after, the team made another splash by signing Bruce Brown Jr., a former member of the 2023 NBA championship team, to a one-year contract. These moves not only refresh the roster but also demonstrate the Nuggets’ great ambitions to compete for the championship in the 2025-26 season.

Trade Analysis

Michael Porter Jr. Departure

Michael Porter Jr., 27, is one of the Nuggets’ key players in their quest to win the 2023 NBA championship. At 6’10” and with a stellar three-point shooting ability (39.5% in 2024-25), Porter is a formidable shooter. However, his inconsistent performance in the playoffs, especially after a shoulder injury in the first round of last season, coupled with his high salary ($38.3 million for 2025-26), have made him a target for trade rumors. The Nuggets’ decision to part ways with Porter, while difficult, shows that the team is willing to sacrifice a great talent to improve financial balance and roster.

Cameron Johnson – The Perfect Piece

Cameron Johnson, 29, is considered an ideal replacement for Porter. With a consistent three-point shooting ability (39.2% in his career) and a more versatile game, Johnson brings versatility on both offense and defense. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game for the Nets, showing his ability to contribute across the board. More importantly, Johnson’s contract ($21.1 million for the 2025-26 season) saves the Nuggets significant payroll, putting them below the first cap hit and opening up the opportunity to use the $14.1 million mid-cap exception to sign more players. Johnson is expected to fit well into coach David Adelman’s system, especially in supporting Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

The Return of Bruce Brown

Bringing back Bruce Brown on a one-year deal with a minimum salary ($3.63 million) is a smart move for the Nuggets. Brown, who played a key role in the 2023 championship run by averaging 11.5 points and shooting 48.3 percent from the field, is a big move for the Nuggets. shooting, providing versatility on both ends of the court. His defense, passing, and playoff experience will add depth to the Nuggets lineup, especially as the team needs versatile players to deal with strong Western opponents like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks. Brown’s return has also been warmly welcomed by fans and is considered a factor in enhancing the locker room culture.

Roster Impact

This trade significantly changed the Nuggets’ lineup structure, providing more balance and flexibility:

Offense: With Cameron Johnson, the Nuggets improve their shooting and distribution, taking the scoring pressure off Jokic and Murray. Johnson tends to move better off the ball than Porter, optimizing cutbacks and creating space.

Defense: While Johnson is not a great defender, he is still rated higher than Porter defensively. Combined with Bruce Brown, the Nuggets gain two more players capable of locking down opposing shooters on the wing.

Financials: The pay cut from Porter to Johnson helps the Nuggets avoid the hefty luxury tax and opens the door to signing quality players like Tim Hardaway Jr. (one-year deal) and Jonas Valanciunas (trade with the Sacramento Kings).

Along with other moves, such as the additions of assistant coaches JJ Barea and Rodney Billups, the Nuggets are building a comprehensive system, from the on-court lineup to the coaching staff, to maximize their chances of competing.

2025-26 Season Outlook

After two consecutive second-round playoff exits, the Nuggets are showing their determination to return to the top. The Cameron Johnson trade and the return of Bruce Brown, along with other additions, have prompted bookmakers to adjust the Nuggets’ championship odds, with BetMGM offering +750 ($100 to win $750) for the NBA title 2026. Many analysts, like Troy Renck of The Denver Post, believe the Nuggets are now serious title contenders, especially in a competitive Western Conference.

However, challenges remain. The Nuggets need to ensure Johnson fits well into a system with Jokic and Murray, while also maintaining stability from supporting roles like Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. Losing a 2032 first-round pick is also a long-term risk, but with the current championship window centered around Jokic (30), the Nuggets are clearly betting it all on the present.

Conclusion

By trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson and bringing back Bruce Brown, the Denver Nuggets made a bold move that not only improved their roster but also sent a message