Nuggets Eyeing Draft-Day Move Up — But Cam Johnson Deal Comes With Risks

The Denver Nuggets are quietly working the phones ahead of the NBA Draft, and the name that keeps surfacing in trade chatter isn’t Nikola Jokić or Jamal Murray — it’s Cameron Johnson. According to multiple league insiders, Denver is exploring whether packaging Johnson with the No. 26 overall pick could land them a spot inside the top 20.

That kind of maneuvering doesn’t come without complications. And the Nuggets’ front office knows it.

Why Johnson Is the Piece That Might Move

Johnson arrived in Denver as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn. He brings shooting and floor spacing — exactly what a Jokić-led offense craves. But his contract also makes him the most logical trade chip for a team trying to balance financial flexibility with roster depth.

This offseason carries real weight for Denver. The Nuggets exited the playoffs in the first round after a six-game series loss to the Timberwolves — a bitter end for a team that had championship aspirations. Now, with the draft set for June 23-24 at Barclays Center, the front office is weighing multiple paths back into contention.

Salary Cap Pressure Is Driving These Talks

According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, Denver’s financial outlook is the engine behind these trade explorations. The Nuggets are determined to cut salary ahead of free agency to free up funds to retain restricted free agent Peyton Watson, who is expected to draw offers well above $25 million annually in average value. The team has not confirmed exactly how they plan to create that room, but Johnson’s contract makes him an obvious candidate for relocation.

Reports indicate Denver has discussed both Johnson and Christian Braun as trade candidates. While Braun has generated little market interest, Johnson remains the name most frequently mentioned in exploratory talks. The Nuggets have been hesitant to engage on Aaron Gordon, who continues to draw interest from other teams but is viewed internally as a core piece.

Can a Top-20 Pick Really Be in Play?

The Nuggets have specifically examined what it would take to move from No. 26 into the top 20 by attaching Johnson. But league observers are skeptical. As Siegel noted, it’s hard to envision a team in that range willingly trading down for a package centered on Johnson. Still, Denver’s willingness to explore the scenario signals urgency.

This isn’t just about draft position. The Nuggets are trying to maximize what remains of a championship window that still revolves around Jokić. Every move — or non-move — will be measured against that timeline.

Whether a deal materializes remains uncertain, but Denver is leaving no stone unturned. For a team that fell short of expectations last season, even the improbable deserves a look.