[Shams] Denver trades Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson

[BigGargamel]

I've been a long time MPJ supporter, but he was so bad this last playoff run. I know he was hurt, but still. It was just time to move on.

[Sixers in 4]

Bought a first round pick for around 40M. Actually pretty expensive

You also look at the deal BKN are using cap space for picks. Smart move but sucks for free agents

[GeorgeSears]

We are so back.

Read on Twitter

[BigGargamel]

Denver did what they had to do. They needed to get out of that MPJ contract, and really the only way to do it was to use an unprotected 1st to get out of it.

But this is the issue with Denver. Cam is more consistent than MPJ, but you’re still dealing with someone that struggles yo stay healthy and does anything outside of shooting 3s. And now you’re down another asset, which they didn’t have much to begin with.

So that climb to getting back to having a legit title contending roster still just seems almost impossible. They have to really hope that there is a team that has a GM desperate enough to overpay to trade for Murray.

Because this trade doesn’t really get them all that much closer to being a contending team. It just got them out of that MPJ contract. Just 1 less asset to use to try and get a legit #2 option

Denver was never in position to make a franchise altering trade. They just have good players being paid like great players, and no draft pick assets. If this allows them to fill out the bench, I think it's a win for Denver. Not a huge win, but moves the needle one notch or so. Denver just doesn't have the ammo to make any serious moves. No one was going to touch that MPJ contract without compensation attached. One pick 7 years from now, that's about the best you can get.

Oh I agree. I don’t think this is a bad trade at all. My post was more just a continuation from my issues I’ve had with Denver’s front office over the last few years. They’ve handed out really bad contracts, while also trading away a ton of draft capital. So they’ve really hamstrung themselves when it comes to making a legit title contending team. Which should be the only priority when you have Jokic in his prime.

I don’t think this moves the needle all that much, this plus the Brown addition I do think moves it slightly in the positive direction. Which is better than I think anyone can say for this front office over the last few offseasons.

I agree with all points. They put themselves in literally the worst position in all of the NBA to make roster upgrades with over-bloated contracts and trading all available draft picks.

This was definitely the best they could do. Maybe simply making a change will reinvigorate the team. If they can get a backup big man, they basically turned MPJ into three rotation players, including one starter, which was the best they could do.

Moving yet another future first round pick is brutal, but that's all they had to offer.

[Swift21]

That 2032 pick is going to be valuable

[doogie_hauser]

Both teams get something of value for their needs and ambitions. Nets are loading up on youth/Planning for the future and Cam Johnson is a big upgrade for Denver over MPJ and his contract which the Nets can easily absorb.

If the Nuggets can win another ring, it won't matter how good or bad the 2032 will become.

As I say, both teams get something of value from this. Classic Win/Win

[Karate Diop]

Denver did what they had to do. They needed to get out of that MPJ contract, and really the only way to do it was to use an unprotected 1st to get out of it.

But this is the issue with Denver. Cam is more consistent than MPJ, but you’re still dealing with someone that struggles yo stay healthy and does anything outside of shooting 3s. And now you’re down another asset, which they didn’t have much to begin with.

So that climb to getting back to having a legit title contending roster still just seems almost impossible. They have to really hope that there is a team that has a GM desperate enough to overpay to trade for Murray.

Because this trade doesn’t really get them all that much closer to being a contending team. It just got them out of that MPJ contract. Just 1 less asset to use to try and get a legit #2 option

Haven't pulled the statistics but Cam seemed to develop as a ball handler and scorer last year, may be selective memory but he was less frustrating to watch and had quite a few gritty finishes. Big if, but if he's healthy I think he'll improve the Nuggets in more ways than just three-point shooting (basketball IQ, leadership)...

[BigGargamel]

That 2032 pick is going to be valuable

Or it could be worthless. A necessary gamble by both teams.

[GeorgeSears]

That 2032 pick is going to be valuable

Probably, but it had to be thrown in to unload the contract.

[Lalouie]

denver was having this negative and very unnatural reliance/hope pinned on mpj

he hit his ceiling 2 or 3yrs ago. he was always going to be a soft 6'10

[Paradise]

That 2032 pick is going to be valuable

Or it could be worthless. A necessary gamble by both teams.

An unprotected pick is never worthless.

[DarkXaero]

Cam J is awesome and better than MPJ, this really shouldn't be up for debate. As a Nets fan I'm sad to see him go and happy that he lands in a situation that is great for him. I hope Denver wins one with him. MPJ isn't worthless, just overpaid and mostly a poor postseason performer but that doesn't matter for Nets. Hopefully they can build some proper value out of him.

Denver fans should be happy, with Cam J and Bruce Brown, they got a lot better today.

[TravisScott55]

I'd argue MPJ is better than Cam Johnson, and they are both injury prone.

[ArksNetsSince99]

Amazing trade for both

Nuggets got Cam who deserves to be on a contender and Bruce Brown in separate signing

I will be a fan and wish the Nuggets at least one more championship, let’s go , my favorite team out West

But saying this please do us a favor and be very bad in 3032

[Hsker4Life]

This makes Denver slightly worse and they lose a 1st. They do get rid of a bad contract, but at a steep cost.

Brooklyn wins the trade.

[Duke4life831]

Denver did what they had to do. They needed to get out of that MPJ contract, and really the only way to do it was to use an unprotected 1st to get out of it.

But this is the issue with Denver. Cam is more consistent than MPJ, but you’re still dealing with someone that struggles yo stay healthy and does anything outside of shooting 3s. And now you’re down another asset, which they didn’t have much to begin with.

So that climb to getting back to having a legit title contending roster still just seems almost impossible. They have to really hope that there is a team that has a GM desperate enough to overpay to trade for Murray.

Because this trade doesn’t really get them all that much closer to being a contending team. It just got them out of that MPJ contract. Just 1 less asset to use to try and get a legit #2 option

Haven't pulled the statistics but Cam seemed to develop as a ball handler and scorer last year, may be selective memory but he was less frustrating to watch and had quite a few gritty finishes. Big if, but if he's healthy I think he'll improve the Nuggets in more ways than just three-point shooting (basketball IQ, leadership)...

He did have a career best when it came to lowest FG% assisted on. But it was still at 55% of his shots being assisted on, so still pretty high.

Plus to be fair, I don’t think Denver really needs another ball handler, unless we’re talking an upgrade over Murray. With how much Jokic/Murray touch the ball, that offense really doesn’t need another on ball creator.

I will say this, I trust Cam’s jumper more than MPJ’s. I think MPJ when hot, is on a different level. But he’s just so damn inconsistent. I do think Cam will be the more consistent player. But he’s still a bad defender and a significantly worse rebounder than MPJ.

So on court impact, I think they will kind of be a wash. But getting out of that MPJ contract and getting better consistency from 3 is a win.

[Woodsanity]

Cam johnson is better and younger than mpj. If you think mpj is actually better than you dont watch the nuggets. Frees up a lot of salary too. Good move.

[Wolfgang630]

Great for Denver. MPJ disappears wayyyyyyy too much and is inconsistent

[Woodsanity]

Amazing trade for both

Nuggets got Cam who deserves to be on a contender and Bruce Brown in separate signing

I will be a fan and wish the Nuggets at least one more championship, let’s go , my favorite team out West

But saying this please do us a favor and be very bad in 3032

By 2032 jokic might be retired and playing with his horsies.

[davidv2001]

Denver did what they had to do. They needed to get out of that MPJ contract, and really the only way to do it was to use an unprotected 1st to get out of it.

But this is the issue with Denver. Cam is more consistent than MPJ, but you’re still dealing with someone that struggles yo stay healthy and does anything outside of shooting 3s. And now you’re down another asset, which they didn’t have much to begin with.

So that climb to getting back to having a legit title contending roster still just seems almost impossible. They have to really hope that there is a team that has a GM desperate enough to overpay to trade for Murray.

Because this trade doesn’t really get them all that much closer to being a contending team. It just got them out of that MPJ contract. Just 1 less asset to use to try and get a legit #2 option

Haven't pulled the statistics but Cam seemed to develop as a ball handler and scorer last year, may be selective memory but he was less frustrating to watch and had quite a few gritty finishes. Big if, but if he's healthy I think he'll improve the Nuggets in more ways than just three-point shooting (basketball IQ, leadership)...

He did have a career best when it came to lowest FG% assisted on. But it was still at 55% of his shots being assisted on, so still pretty high.

Plus to be fair, I don’t think Denver really needs another ball handler, unless we’re talking an upgrade over Murray. With how much Jokic/Murray touch the ball, that offense really doesn’t need another on ball creator.

I will say this, I trust Cam’s jumper more than MPJ’s. I think MPJ when hot, is on a different level. But he’s just so damn inconsistent. I do think Cam will be the more consistent player. But he’s still a bad defender and a significantly worse rebounder than MPJ.

So on court impact, I think they will kind of be a wash. But getting out of that MPJ contract and getting better consistency from 3 is a win.

The deal frees up Denver to use the entire MLE, and they still have most of it left after Bruce Brown signed for the veteran’s minimum. If they add another solid rotation player or two with the rest of the MLE, Denver will be better next season. They had to do this.