Michael Porter Jr., 2023 NBA Champion, traded by Denver Nuggets to Brooklyn Nets
May 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) gestures to referee Tyler Ford in the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four of the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Denver Nuggets have finalized a major trade sending Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson. This trade, reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, marks a turning point in Denver’s strategy after two consecutive Western Conference semifinals eliminations.
Crucial Financial Relief for Denver
The trade allows the Nuggets to save $34 million over the next two seasons and exit the luxury tax for the 2025-2026 season. This financial flexibility had become crucial for a franchise dealing with massive salaries for Nikola Jokić ($276.1 million extension) and Jamal Murray ($207.8 million).
Porter Jr., under contract for two additional seasons at over $30 million per year, had seen his playoff performance decline. After averaging 18.2 points this season with 50.4% shooting and 39.5% from 3-point range, the forward only averaged 7.4 points against Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs.
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Cam Johnson, a More Versatile Profile
Cam Johnson (6’8″, 29 years old) brings Denver a versatile forward capable of scoring 20 points per game and playing alongside Jokić. At 29, he’s coming off a season averaging 18.8 points with Brooklyn and should benefit from the Serbian triple MVP’s presence to elevate his game.
The savings also allow the Nuggets to access most of their $14.1 million mid-level exception, opening the door to other moves to maximize their championship window around Jokić.
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A Risky Bet on the Future
The unprotected 2032 pick included in the trade is drawing attention around the league. « It was a valuable asset they gave up, » a general manager told ESPN. « Teams were watching this pick to see if they would actually use it. »
When this pick is used, Jokić will be 37 and Murray 35, raising questions about Denver’s future competitiveness. The Nets continue accumulating future assets in their rebuild, having already added Drake Powell (22nd pick 2025) and other expected picks in the Kevin Durant trade.
This transaction perfectly illustrates modern franchises’ dilemma: maximizing the present at the risk of mortgaging the future, or patiently building for tomorrow.
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