This proposed NBA trade scenario involves a significant shake-up among the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Brooklyn Nets.
The Denver Nuggets have experienced an intriguing offseason in the NBA. After losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to free agency, they did not find a direct replacement for his skill set. Caldwell-Pope, a 41.5 percent three-point shooter during his two seasons with the Nuggets, played a significant role in helping the team secure its first NBA championship in 2023.
Despite this loss, the Nuggets improved their point guard depth by signing nine-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook, following the trade of Reggie Jackson. Westbrook is expected to address several of Denver’s needs, serving as an additional ball handler and point-of-attack defender.
Although the Nuggets still boast arguably the best player in the NBA, Nikola Jokic, many believe they are still one move away from becoming the league’s most formidable team.
In a recent hypothetical trade proposal from Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, the Denver Nuggets would revamp their starting lineup through a three-team deal involving the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets. The proposed trade includes several moving parts:
Denver Nuggets Receive: Cam Johnson and Ziaire Williams
Detroit Pistons Receive:Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets Receive:Isaiah Stewart, Tim Hardaway Jr., a 2025 second-round pick (from the Toronto Raptors), and a 2027 second-round pick (from the Detroit Pistons)
By trading Michael Porter Jr. and his substantial contract to the Detroit Pistons, the Nuggets would gain financial flexibility by acquiring Cam Johnson, who is in the second year of his four-year, $94.5 million deal.
In contrast, Porter is entering the third year of his five-year, $179.3 million contract. Both contracts are set to expire after the 2026-27 season, but Porter’s deal is significantly more expensive.
Update on Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.’s extension: The five-year deal is guaranteed for $145.3 million, sources tell me and @sam_amick.
It's guaranteed for $12M out of $39.3M in Year 5 — with full guarantee based on All-Stars, MVPs, DPOYs, All-NBA, All-Defensive honors.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 29, 2021
This was a significant aspect of Bleacher Report’s rationale for the proposed trade, as Swartz noted, “This type of savings will enable the Nuggets to maintain their core of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon without losing Porter’s skill set. Denver would save $6.1 million this season and another $6.1 million next summer when Williams’ contract ends, in addition to the salary reduction from Porter to Johnson.”
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