As the Denver Nuggets prepare to make a big change or two in the offseason, two veterans have been frequently mentioned as trade candidates.
Cam Johnson and Christian Braun seem to be the most likely candidates to get moved.
With Johnson being on an expiring deal, he might be the easier sell out of the two. A recent hypothetical trade idea created by Sports Illustrated’s Logan Struck gives an idea of what the Nuggets could land in return for Johnson.
Nuggets Trade Prediction Gives Clippers 30-Year-Old Sharpshooter
GettyCameron Johnson #23 off the Denver Nuggets plays the Chicago Bulls in the first quarter at Ball Arena on November 17, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
In the predicted deal, the Nuggets would send Johnson to the Los Angeles Clippers to give Kawhi Leonard some shooting help.
In return, Denver would land two players in Derrick Jones Jr. and Isaiah Jackson. Along with the players, they would pick up a 2026 second-round pick (No. 36) and a 2032 second-round pick.
“This move gives the Nuggets an extra $5.6 million in free money,” Struck writes.
“Johnson’s $23 million expiring deal comes off the books, and in comes a pair of cheaper deals to spread across their bench: Jones Jr.’s $10.4 million expiring, and Jackson’s deal that has two years and just over $13 million left over the life of the contract.”
Derrick Jones Jr.’s NBA History
GettyDerrick Jones Jr celebrates during a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Brooklyn Nets.
Coming out of UNLV in 2016, Jones Jr. went undrafted. He started his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns. In 2017, Jones joined the Miami Heat, starting out on a two-way contract. In 2018, he was upgraded to a standard deal.
Following his time with the Heat, Jones inked a two-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers. One year in, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls.
When Jones became a free agent in 2023, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks. Following the lone season in Dallas, Jones joined the Clippers in 2024.
During the 2025-2026 NBA season, Jones appeared in 50 games for the Clippers (45 starts). He saw the court for 27.0 minutes per game and averaged 10.1 points, 1.4 assists, and 3.5 rebounds.
Isaiah Jackson’s NBA Run
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Isaiah Jackson #22 of the Indiana Pacers reacts to an officials call during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 29, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Unlike Jones, Isaiah Jackson is a former first-round pick. Coming out of Kentucky, he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers (officially selected by LAL).
The former 22nd pick played five seasons with the Pacers. During the 2025-2026 NBA season, the veteran center appeared in 38 games. He averaged 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
After getting traded to the Clippers, Jackson played in 17 games, posting averages of 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.
Why The Nuggets Would Consider Moving Cam Johnson
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 05: Cameron Johnson #23 of the Denver Nuggets shoots a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 05, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Aside from the obvious financial gain, the Nuggets simply didn’t get the boost they had hoped for from Johnson.
After developing into an 18-point scorer on average with the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson unsurprisingly saw his numbers drop. He averaged 12.2 points per game. While he still maintained a high three-point percentage at 43, Johnson didn’t have a strong enough playoff impact.
In six games, Johnson shot 31.4% from deep on 5.8 attempts per game. The Nuggets aren’t going to move like a desperate team to get off Johnson’s deal, but they’ll certainly consider all options.