Denver Nuggets Turn Michael Porter Jr.’s $38.3M Into Four Key Veterans for Less, Pull Off Front Office Masterclass

The Denver Nuggets’ front office just pulled off one of the most quietly brilliant moves of the NBA offseason — one that could reshape their roster and championship outlook moving forward.

Instead of paying Michael Porter Jr. $38.3 million for the 2025-26 season, the Nuggets managed to flip his contract into four proven, impactful rotation players — Cam Johnson, Jonas Valančiūnas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown — all of whom will cost the team a combined $37 million next season. That’s right: Denver got four seasoned contributors for less than the price of one oft-injured, inconsistently utilized wing.

It’s the kind of front-office wizardry that doesn’t always grab national headlines, but within NBA circles, it’s being hailed as one of the most calculated and forward-thinking moves of the summer.

Let’s break down how it happened — and why it matters so much for Denver’s immediate and long-term future.

The Porter Problem

When Denver signed Michael Porter Jr. to a five-year, $173 million max contract extension in 2021, it was a gamble based on potential. At the time, Porter was coming off a strong season averaging 19 points per game on blistering efficiency. His length, shooting, and upside made him look like a perfect third star behind Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.

But as the years went on, the issues became harder to ignore. His chronic back problems flared up again. His lateral quickness remained a liability on defense. And while his three-point shooting remained elite, his inability to consistently create his own shot or stay engaged off-ball made him a somewhat limited offensive player when the ball wasn’t in his hands.

Worse yet, he never quite developed into a reliable go-to option when Murray or Jokić were off the floor. Porter’s shot volume remained high, but his on-court impact was often neutral or even negative in big playoff moments.

Simply put: he didn’t live up to the price tag.

Denver, recognizing the burden his contract would place on future roster construction, started quietly shopping him around this offseason. And when a series of calculated phone calls and aggressive salary-cap maneuvering finally came together, they pounced.

The Return: Four Pieces, One Purpose

What Denver got in return was not a flashy All-Star or a headline-making blockbuster — but instead, a quartet of established players who fit exactly what this team needs.

Cam Johnson brings 3-and-D versatility and postseason experience. While he had some inconsistency in Brooklyn, his size and smooth shooting stroke make him an ideal floor-spacer around Jokić. At just 28 years old and signed to a manageable contract, he can start at the three or four, or serve as a sixth man depending on matchups.

Jonas Valančiūnas, meanwhile, gives the Nuggets a physical backup big man who can feast in minutes without Jokić on the floor. He’s one of the league’s best rebounders, and his interior scoring gives the second unit a bruising identity — something Denver sorely lacked last season. He’s no rim protector, but in short spurts, he can dominate mismatches.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is a plug-and-play wing scorer who can heat up quickly and has deep playoff experience with the Mavericks. His shot selection can be erratic, but in Denver’s system — where ball movement is king — he may find the perfect balance between aggression and efficiency. He adds another layer of shot creation when bench lineups get stagnant.

Bruce Brown’s return is the cherry on top. He was an essential cog in Denver’s 2023 championship run, known for his versatility, hustle, and defensive intensity. His ability to guard multiple positions, finish in transition, and make smart cuts off the ball is tailor-made for Jokić’s playmaking brilliance. Denver had sorely missed his presence since he signed with Indiana — and now, they get him back at a discount.

The Financial Win

From a strictly monetary perspective, this deal is already a win.

Michael Porter Jr. was set to make $38.3 million next season — the third-highest salary on the team behind Jokić and Murray. That figure severely limited Denver’s flexibility under the new CBA, especially with the second tax apron looming. Every move they made would’ve been scrutinized and penalized under the league’s increasingly punitive luxury tax rules.

Instead, they moved off Porter’s contract and brought in four players for a combined $37 million — all of whom can contribute in a variety of ways.

It’s rare that a team can move off a max contract and not only shed salary, but actually improve its depth and postseason ceiling in the process. Denver managed to do both.

A New Identity Without Sacrificing the Core

Crucially, this deal doesn’t mess with the Nuggets’ core identity.

Jokić remains the centerpiece. Murray is still the second option and clutch-time scorer. Aaron Gordon continues to be the defensive anchor and glue guy. But now, instead of being forced to rely heavily on young, untested bench players — or paying over the odds to keep limited depth — Denver now has options.

Need shooting? Johnson and Hardaway Jr. are there. Need toughness and defense? Bruce Brown and Gordon are ready. Need size and rebounding? Valančiūnas gives you a real post presence in non-Jokić minutes.

This roster has not just talent, but versatility. It has playoff experience. It has adaptability. All traits you need if you want to survive a deep postseason run.

What It Means for the West

The Western Conference remains a battlefield. Phoenix still boasts star power. The Lakers retooled around Anthony Davis and LeBron. Oklahoma City looks like a budding powerhouse. And don’t forget Minnesota, Golden State, or the Clippers.

But what separates contenders from pretenders is depth. Denver now boasts one of the deepest, most balanced rosters in the conference — with championship pedigree and superstar stability.

And they did it without giving up future picks. Without mortgaging their timeline. Without panic.

Just smart, shrewd, championship-caliber decision-making.

It’s rare in the modern NBA to win a trade when you’re the team giving up the biggest name and the biggest salary. But that’s exactly what the Nuggets have done here.

By turning Michael Porter Jr.’s $38.3 million contract into a four-man package of Cam Johnson, Jonas Valančiūnas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown — all for less money — the Nuggets have created cap flexibility, improved their depth, and re-established themselves as serious title contenders.

Front offices don’t get banners. They don’t get MVPs. But the Denver brass deserves serious flowers for this one.

A masterclass in value, fit, and timing — the kind of move that wins championships before the playoffs even begin.