The 2025 NBA free agency period is officially underway, but the biggest news of the evening so far has to do with a trade. Early on after free agency opened up, the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets came together on a blockbuster trade.
According to a report from ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the Nuggets are trading Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson.
“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,” Charania wrote on X.
Needless to say, this is a big-time move for both teams.
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Porter has been a big-time part of the Denver roster in recent years. He has been an elite three-point threat for the Nuggets and has fit nicely alongside of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Moving on from him is a surprise, but financials might have helped this become a reality.
During the 2024-25 NBA season with Denver, Porter played in 77 games. He averaged 18.2 points, seven rebounds, and 2.1 assists, while also shooting 50.4 percent from the floor and 39.5 percent from the three-point line.
Johnson, on the other hand, is coming off of another quality season. In Brooklyn, he played in 57 games. The 29-year-old forward averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 0.9 steals.
In addition to his averages, Johnson also shot 47.5 percent from the floor and 39 percent from three-point range.
While some Nuggets fans may have been confused, the team quickly made another move. Denver went out and reunited with Bruce Brown, who was a key piece of the championship winning team. Adding Johnson and Brown together is a big upgrade for the Nuggets.
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It will be interesting to revisit this trade in a year from now. Both teams are making a structural change to their roster.
On the outside looking in, it’s a deal that adds similar players for each side. Porter will see his role increase in a a big way with the Nets and could have a breakout season being able to show more of his skill-set with more opportunity.
Expect the news and rumors to continue rolling in. NBA free agency is just getting underway and a plethora of moves have already been made.
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