Denver Nuggets Trade Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson

The Denver Nuggets are trading Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Cam Johnson, sources told ESPN. Both players have two years left on their contracts. The Nuggets are shedding Porter's hefty contract, while Johnson will make $21 million this season and $23 million next season.

The trade allows Denver to get under the luxury tax and utilize a $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception. This trade marks the first major move by Denver's new front office of Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. The Nuggets also re-signed free agent Bruce Brown, who played a key role in their 2023 title win.

Brown, known for his locker room presence, averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in 2022-23. Johnson, a 6-foot-8 forward, had a breakout season with Brooklyn, averaging 18.8 points and 4.3 rebounds with 39% shooting from 3-point range.

While Johnson is a solid defender and shooter, he has a history of injuries. Porter Jr., a career 40% 3-point shooter, has been with the Nuggets for his entire six-year career, averaging 18.2 points and seven rebounds last season.

The Nuggets made changes mid-season, firing head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth to spark the team. Under new coach David Adelman, they reached the second round of the playoffs, losing to the eventual champions, Oklahoma City.

According to the source: ESPN.