The Denver Nuggets might soon find themselves making headlines again with a potential offseason shakeup. Veteran forward Cam Johnson has emerged as a hot commodity on the trade market, drawing significant interest from several playoff contenders.
According to insider reports, five teams are already eyeing Johnson should the Nuggets decide to part ways with him. The Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic are all in the mix, eager to bolster their rosters with Johnson's skill set.
This surge in interest aligns with Denver's ongoing efforts to navigate under the NBA’s second salary cap apron while maintaining the integrity of their youthful core.
Johnson, who joined the Nuggets last offseason in a trade that saw Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round pick head to the Brooklyn Nets, made a notable impact in his short stint with the team. Over the past season, he averaged 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, all while shooting an impressive 48.0% from the field and a career-high 43.0% from beyond the arc. His blend of size, shooting prowess, and defensive versatility makes him a coveted asset for any contender aiming to enhance their two-way wing options.
Adding to his appeal, Johnson is on the cusp of the final year of his contract, set to earn around $22.5 million in the 2026-27 season. This expiring contract is particularly attractive to teams looking to boost their lineup without committing to a long-term financial obligation.
For the Nuggets, the considerations extend beyond Johnson's individual contributions. They're gearing up for restricted free agency talks with rising star Peyton Watson, who has caught the eye of several teams, including the Lakers and Bulls.
Reports from league insiders suggest that Denver is prepared to match any offer sheet for Watson unless it reaches the $30 million per year threshold. Securing Watson's future is a top priority for the Nuggets' front office.
Among the teams interested in Johnson, the Lakers present a particularly intriguing option. They are actively seeking players to complement Luka Doncic, and Johnson’s ability to space the floor would mesh seamlessly with Doncic, Austin Reaves, and potentially LeBron James. His knack for hitting catch-and-shoot threes and defending multiple positions addresses key needs for the Lakers.
Meanwhile, Boston, Miami, and the Clippers are all in pursuit of seasoned wings who can deliver in high-stakes playoff scenarios. The Magic, on the other hand, are focused on enhancing their shooting capabilities around young stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
The Nuggets now face a pivotal decision. While Johnson continues to be a productive starter and one of the league's most efficient shooters from the perimeter, the franchise's long-term vision appears to prioritize retaining Peyton Watson. Should they decide to trade Johnson to gain financial flexibility, Denver will likely have no shortage of eager suitors ready to make a deal.
In Other News...
Celtics May Finally Have A Real Answer To Their Frontcourt Problem
Bostons frontcourt needs have been obvious enough that any big man who can stretch the floor and handle minutes at both the four and the five is going to draw attention. Sandro Mamukelashvili fits that mold, and after a season in which he averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds, he is shaping up as one of the more interesting names Boston could monitor if the market opens up the way many around the league expect.
The Celtics are already weighing a range of options to bolster that part of the roster, and Mamukelashvili would give them a different kind of answer than the traditional rim protector search that usually comes with these conversations. He is also the sort of player who could attract multiple bidders, especially if his next deal lands in the range of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is why Bostons interest may end up being only one piece of a much busier frontcourt picture. [Read more 🡒]
Celtics May Have A Real Opening To Fix Their Biggest Need
The Celtics have spent plenty of time looking for a cleaner answer at power forward, and a new report suggests that answer could come from an unexpected place. NBA insider Michael Scotto reported that Denver may be open to a notable roster reset, and that has put a pair of Nuggets forwards on Bostons radar as the front office continues to scan for help on the wing and in the frontcourt.
Cam Johnson stands out because of his expiring deal and the value he has shown with career-best production from the field and beyond the arc. Aaron Gordon brings a different kind of appeal, since he could give Boston the sturdier power forward option it has lacked and allow Jayson Tatum to slide back into small forward, which is why multiple teams have shown interest in both players. [Read more 🡒]
Celtics Fans Wont Love The Latest Jaylen Brown Trade Twist
The Celtics search for frontcourt help has taken another familiar turn, and it still traces back to the broader questions surrounding Jaylen Brown. Boston has shown interest in Naz Reid as a possible piece to strengthen the front line, which fits with the teams push to find more size and flexibility around its core. Reid had even come up in trade conversations before his move to Charlotte, a reminder that the Celtics have been casting a wide net as they look for ways to rework the roster.
For now, though, the path appears unclear. Charlotte seems more inclined to hold onto Reid than move him, which leaves Boston waiting on a target that does not look easily available. So the Celtics keep searching for alternative ways to improve their frontcourt, while the larger Brown trade landscape remains one of the biggest variables shaping what comes next. [Read more 🡒]