A familiar face returns, and one of key franchise pieces is gone. Just like that, Denver’s championship core begins to shift.
The Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for sharpshooting wing Cam Johnson and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick, according to NBA senior insider Shams Charania.
BREAKING: The Denver Nuggets are trading Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
It marks the end of Porter’s six-season run in Denver and a significant pivot by the Nuggets as they reshape their roster following another second-round playoff exit.
Porter was a key part of Denver’s 2023 NBA championship team and had spent his entire career with the franchise after being selected 14th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
A projected top pick coming out of high school, Porter fell on draft night due to concerns about a back injury that sidelined him for his entire rookie season. Once healthy, the 27-year-old blossomed into one of the league’s elite shooting forwards, averaging 16.6 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 40.6% from deep over his career.
In Johnson, the Nuggets acquire a younger, less expensive option who fits a similar offensive profile. The 6-foot-8 forward has shot 39.2% from beyond the arc over his five-year career.
The trade comes on the same day the Nuggets brought back a key member of their 2023 championship run.
Veteran swingman Bruce Brown Jr. is returning to Denver on a one-year deal as per Charania.
Free agent Bruce Brown Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. The 2023 NBA champion for the Nuggets returns to Denver. CAA's Ty Sullivan and Steven Heumann finalized the deal tonight with the Nuggets.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025
The 27-year-old Brown played a vital role off the bench during the Nuggets’ title campaign, averaging 12.0 points in the 2023 postseason. He left last summer in free agency and spent the past year with Indiana, Toronto, and New Orleans.
Brown was acquired by the Pelicans at the 2025 trade deadline as part of the deal that sent Brandon Ingram to Toronto. In 23 games with New Orleans, Brown averaged 8.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
