Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson

Denver Nuggets receive: Cameron Johnson

Brooklyn Nets receive: Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick

This trade appears to be a smart and strategic move for the Denver Nuggets. By acquiring sharpshooter Cameron Johnson, they secure a capable replacement for Michael Porter Jr. while making a significant financial improvement. The most important element of this deal is that Denver now moves below the luxury tax threshold, giving them more financial flexibility moving forward.

Michael Porter Jr. is set to earn $38.3 million next season and over $40.8 million in the 2026–2027 season. In comparison, Cameron Johnson’s contract is much more team friendly $21 million next season and $23 million in 2026–2027. This drastic reduction in payroll allows the Nuggets to build a more well-rounded and sustainable roster around Nikola Jokić, which is crucial if they want to remain a contender.

On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets may have taken a step in the wrong direction. While they do get the more talented individual player in Porter Jr., his massive contract doesn’t align well with where the Nets currently stand as a team. Without significant roster upgrades around him, MPJ is unlikely to elevate the Nets into playoff contention on his own.

The inclusion of an unprotected 2032 first-round pick adds some long-term intrigue, but realistically, as long as Jokić remains with the Nuggets, that pick is unlikely to fall in the lottery, limiting its overall value.