The Denver Nuggets have pulled off a seismic trade, shipping forward Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first‑round draft pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for sharpshooter Cam Johnson. MPJ had been a mainstay in Denver since being drafted in 2018, coming off a season where he averaged a career‑high 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds across 77 games. He helped play a key role in Denver’s 2023 championship run and remains one of the most lethal 3‑point threats in franchise history, leaving the team second in made threes behind only Jamal Murray (washingtonpost.com, reuters.com).
The rationale behind Denver’s decision revolves around cap flexibility and sustainable roster construction. Porter Jr.’s contract carries $38.3 million due next season and $40.8 million in 2026‑27. By contrast, Johnson’s cap hit comes in at around $21 million next year and $23 million in the year after (cbssports.com). The Nuggets also sent the high pick to Brooklyn, which nets them a grade of B+ from analysts — a move they see as freeing up significant cap space and attempting to retool around Nikola Jokić while remaining competitive (sbnation.com).
On paper, Johnson might seem like a plug‑and‑play fit next to Jokić. His 39% career three‑point shooting and improved playmaking last season made him an attractive candidate to step into Porter’s minutes — and likely at a much friendlier luxury tax number (bleacherreport.com). He averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists last season and isn’t injuriously prone — at least not beyond Denver’s injury reserve concerns (reuters.com).
Still, Porter isn’t going quietly. He’s entering his prime at age 27, and after surviving frequent health scares — he missed his entire rookie season and parts of subsequent seasons due to back issues — he finally seems healthy and unlocked. Last season he set Nuggets franchise three‑point records and had a streak of three consecutive 30+ point games with five or more threes (en.wikipedia.org). In Brooklyn, he’ll headline a rebuilding roster, potentially unlocking more on‑ball opportunities with less pressure and more room. The Nets, who continue to hoard picks and cap flexibility, pick up Porter Jr. plus a valuable future asset — earning their own grade of A from analysts (sbnation.com).
Denver didn’t stop there. They followed by re‑signing guard Bruce Brown to a one‑year veteran’s minimum contract. Brown was a key rotation guy in the Nuggets’ title run in 2023 and averaged 8.3 points and 4.0 rebounds last season between Toronto and New Orleans (reuters.com). His return helps provide backcourt depth and defensive versatility — a strategic move to maintain some continuity while opening cap space .
This entire sequence marks the beginning of a new era in Denver’s front office under Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. By offloading Porter Jr.’s contract, clearing a sizable luxury tax burden and bringing in Johnson and Brown, Denver gains much more maneuverability to pursue MLE-level signings and potential midseason upgrades (espn.com).
Over in Memphis, the Grizzlies are making clear their commitment to continuity and elite defense by locking in Jaren Jackson Jr. with a mammoth extension. The five‑year, $240 million max deal (with a player option in the 2029‑30 season) ties Jackson to the Grizzlies through his peak athletic years — and cements him alongside Ja Morant as the twin pillars of this franchise’s future (espn.com).
Jackson is coming off his best season yet: 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. He was the only player league‑wide to tally at least 1,500 points and 100 blocks, secured a spot on the NBA’s second‑team All‑Defense, and narrowly missed All‑NBA honors. His earlier Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023 and relentless rim protection have made Jackson a defensive anchor for Memphis (nypost.com).
Securing Jackson required significant financial planning. The Grizzlies began shedding salary well before free agency, moving Desmond Bane to Orlando in a deal that brought in Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope, Cole Anthony, draft picks, and created cap breathing room. They’re also working to find a new home for Anthony to further clear space for Jackson’s max deal (bealestreetbears.com).
This extension—in the neighborhood of nearly $48 million per season—places Jackson among the top‑paid big men in the league, but Memphis sees this as essential. His two‑way impact on offense and defense, paired with Morant’s star power, gives them a duo capable of deep playoff runs .
With Jackson officially committed, Memphis can now pivot to filling out its roster. They’ve already re‑signed Santi Aldama (three years, $52.5 million) and Cam Spencer (two years, $4.5 million), ensuring bench stability and fostering continuity for young contributors (bealestreetbears.com).
Analysts note that Memphis still needs to offload an additional $10 million in salary to make room under the second apron, but front-loading moves early suggests they’re laying solid groundwork for the 2025‑26 season .
This two‑part saga underscores contrasting strategies at play across the NBA. Denver chose a short‑term, cost‑savvy pivot to remain competitive, willing to trade a budding star and future draft capital for flexibility. Memphis, on the other hand, doubles down on its existing core, choosing long‑term investment in Jackson to reinforce its identity as a defensive powerhouse built around youth.
For Nuggets fans, the obvious question: can Cam Johnson truly fill the offensive void, and will freed cap space turn into meaningful roster additions? For Nets fans, Porter Jr. offers hope of reclaiming shooting prowess and accumulating future assets. In Memphis, consistency is king. Jackson’s extension reassures that franchise-building is underway, but the supporting roster will ultimately determine how high they can rise.
These headlines will resonate throughout the summer, influencing draft plans, potential veteran signings, and midseason trades. Denver’s next moves — especially with added flex — might include mid-level additions or even a chunk trade, while Memphis will carefully assemble the puzzle around Morant and Jackson without overshooting the apron.
It’s all unfolding in real time: the gear shifts, the cap dance, the identities taking shape. Porter Jr.’s departure marks the end of an era in Denver, and Jackson’s contract begins a bold chapter in Memphis. As free agency progresses and new players ink deals, these two stories will remain foundational in defining each team’s trajectory. We’ll continue to follow every move — from signings to rumors to trades — so stay locked in.
