The Denver Nuggets have made a significant trade, sending forward Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected first-round pick in 2032 to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson.

Analysts have given the Nuggets an A grade for this trade, highlighting its potential to keep them competitive in the championship race while effectively managing their salary cap.

The deal is viewed as a win for the Nuggets, who are also looking to enhance their roster further, including potentially bringing back Bruce Brown.

The trade provides the Nuggets with financial flexibility, allowing them to create a $16.8 million trade exception and utilize their full $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

Cam Johnson, who averaged a career-high 18.8 points last season, is expected to bolster the Nuggets' offensive capabilities.

While Porter averaged 18.2 points and showed shooting prowess, concerns about his defensive consistency influenced the trade decision.

This trade not only allows the Nuggets to save approximately $12 million in salary but also aids their efforts to re-sign Bruce Brown, who has agreed to a one-year deal to return.

The trade positions the Nuggets' front office to make further improvements around star Nikola Jokić, who is eligible for a significant contract extension this offseason.

The Nets, by absorbing Porter's $38.3 million salary, are no longer a primary cap space player, which may disadvantage other teams looking to offload money.

Brooklyn has also received an A grade for their strategic move, prioritizing future assets by acquiring a valuable draft pick instead of seeking immediate roster improvements.

However, the long-term implications for the Nuggets remain uncertain, as trading away a future first-round pick without acquiring a star player raises questions about their future post-Jokić.

Porter played a crucial role in the Nuggets' 2023 championship run but struggled in the playoffs, averaging just 7.4 points per game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025.