The 2023 Kevin Durant haul is the gift that keeps on giving to Sean Marks and the Brooklyn Nets, as they continue to reshape their roster by trading Cam Johnson to the Denver Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick.
Brooklyn is betting on that future first-rounder being valuable, as Denver’s aging core will likely decline with Nikola Jokic turning 36. This move adds another pick to the Nets’ growing vault, bringing their total to 13 first-rounders and 18 second-rounders over the next seven years. It also helps them get closer to the new CBA salary floor while maintaining crucial floor spacing for their developing young guards.
For Denver, the trade upgrades their wing position with a similarly styled but cheaper player. Johnson’s skill set should mesh well alongside Jamal Murray and Jokic, and the Nuggets will benefit financially by moving under the luxury tax threshold, saving $13 million in 2025 and $30 million over two years.
Acquiring Porter Jr. gives Brooklyn a 6’10” forward who averaged 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting 39.5% from three in 2024–25. More importantly, his expiring $40 million contract provides Brooklyn with salary flexibility, either as a trade asset to land a star next summer or as a piece to flip for additional draft capital.
The reunion with Nets bench boss Jordi Fernandez, who coached Porter Jr. for three seasons in Denver, offers a strong opportunity to rebuild the forward’s value in a familiar system.
Once again, the Nets are playing the long game. They are stockpiling assets and maintaining flexibility as they continue to build toward sustained success, much like the Oklahoma City Thunder have done.
