The Brooklyn Nets certainly turned heads during the 2025 NBA offseason with a savvy trade that brought forward Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for forward Cam Johnson. While many initially praised the move for its future draft assets, it has proven to be an even bigger win for Brooklyn.
Porter has emerged as a standout player this season, significantly outperforming Johnson. This trade was highlighted as the fourth-best move of the summer, largely due to Porter stepping up as the primary scorer for the Nets.
Brooklyn not only secured the best player in the deal but also added a valuable future pick to their collection. Despite a substantial jump in his usage rate-now at 30.4%, up from a previous career high of 22.7%-Porter has maintained impressive efficiency. His increased opportunities have propelled him to a career-high average of 24.2 points per game, a notable leap of 5.2 points from his previous best.
At 27, Porter is wrapping up a remarkable season that had many speculating about his potential All-Star selection. Although a left hamstring strain might sideline him for the remainder of the season, his stats speak volumes: 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
On the flip side, Cam Johnson is having a respectable season, averaging 11.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting 46.9% from the field and an impressive 43.3% from three-point range. However, the Nets have struck gold with Porter, who clearly has the potential to become an All-Star, making this trade a masterstroke for the franchise.