Why Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson

The Denver Nuggets finally get their NBA season underway on Thursday night.

They're one of only two teams not to have already played, along with the Indiana Pacers. They won't be facing one another, though. The Nuggets take on the Golden State Warriors in the second of two games televised by ESPN on Thursday.

Denver will have a new look to its well-established starting lineup.

Out is Michael Porter Jr., and in is Cameron Johnson. The duo was traded for each other in the offseason.

It was a big decision by the Nuggets, and one they'll be hoping proves itself correct.

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Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson trade details

The trade between the Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets happened on June 30:

• Nuggets receive: Cameron Johnson
• Nets receive: Michael Porter Jr., 2032 first-round pick

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Why did the Nuggets trade Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson?

This deal was made to try and maximize the contention timeline with Nikola Jokic.

Johnson is one of the most underrated stars in the NBA. He's a star defender and a fantastic player on the perimeter.

In 2024-25, Johnson averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

In his NBA career, Johnson is a career 39.2% 3-point shooter.

Johnson has been in the NBA for six seasons, split between Phoenix and Brooklyn.

He was originally the 11th overall pick in 2019, and he's 29 years old.

Porter had been a great scorer for Denver, including on their 2023 NBA championship team. But his back problems and defensive inability held the Nuggets back from reaching their ceiling in their current form.

Given the apparent Nikola Jokic potential for unhappiness, the Nuggets needed to make this move.

The Western Conference is loaded, and Denver did what it felt it had to do to improve its roster and stay near the top for as long as it can with Jokic.

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