The Denver Nuggets now find themselves in a questionable roster situation that will need to be addressed this summer after failing to advance past the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Multiple players have been brought to light after getting eliminated in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. From Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun, to now Cam Johnson.
Johnson, 30, came to the Nuggets in the trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets. Denver’s motive was to shed some cap space while bringing in a three-and-D forward who has a similar play style to Porter Jr.
Upon further reports, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints believes that Cam Johnson could be the top trade prospect for the Denver Nuggets this offseason.
“As a result, (Cam) Johnson, who sources say the Nuggets originally traded for with the mindset of utilizing as a one-year rental, is the most likely player to be traded over Murray, Gordon, or someone else this offseason,” Siegel wrote.
Multiple Teams Show Interest in Cam Johnson Ahead of NBA Draft
Cam Johnson is a veteran forward who would make an impact on any NBA team.
What teams would be interested in Johnson if the Nuggets decide to let him go?
Heading into the 2026-27 season, Johnson will be in the final year of his contract. He’s in line to earn $23 million.
“The LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets all previously expressed interest in trading for Johnson when he was with the Brooklyn Nets,” Brett Siegel said. “There will be no shortage of teams interested in Johnson this offseason since he will be entering the final year of his contract and is well-suited to join a win-now situation.”
In Johnson’s first year with the Nuggets, he put together averages of 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game on 48.0/43.0/83.9 shooting splits.
It will be up to what offers the Nuggets get for Cam Johnson. It’s worth noting that Denver holds the No. 24 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The first-round pick could be an asset that franchises are interested in as well.
Denver could reportedly explore trading Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon as well, Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints reports. Murray is set to make $50.1 million, while Gordon will earn $33.65 million in 2026-27.
Peyton Watson Labeled as Nuggets’ Top Priority This Offseason
Denver will look to agree on a new contract extension with superstar center Nikola Jokic, but Peyton Watson’s upcoming restricted free agency is also a top priority for the Nuggets this summer.
Despite a right hamstring strain that limited Watson to 54 regular-season games and sitting out all of the postseason, the 23-year-old had a breakout season in 2025-26.
Watson posted career-highs in points (14.6), rebounds (4.9), and assists (2.1) per game. While Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic, and Christian Braun suffered setbacks early in the season, Peyton Watson received more usage. The 2022 first-round pick capitalized on the opportunity before catching his own case of the injury bug.
The Nuggets will make the necessary moves to retain Watson in restricted free agency, and he is expected to make at least $25 million annually in his new deal, Siegel reported.
However, there will be competition. The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets could sign him to an offer sheet this offseason.
Nuggets ‘Most Likely’ Trade Candidate Revealed by NBA Insider After Playoff Exit