The Denver Nuggets could soon find themselves at the center of another major offseason move, as veteran forward Cam Johnson has reportedly become one of the hottest names on the trade market.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, five playoff contenders have already expressed interest in acquiring Johnson if Denver decides to move him. The list includes the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, and Orlando Magic.
The growing interest comes as Denver continues searching for ways to get below the NBA’s second apron while keeping its young core intact.
Johnson arrived in Denver last offseason in the trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets. Although he spent only one season with the Nuggets, he quickly proved why he remains one of the league’s most valuable role players.
The 30-year-old averaged 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 48.0% from the field and a career-best 43.0% from three-point range. His combination of size, shooting, and defensive versatility makes him an ideal fit for virtually every contender looking to add another two-way wing.
Johnson is also entering the final season of his contract, earning approximately $22.5 million during the 2026-27 campaign. His expiring deal only increases his trade value for teams looking to strengthen their roster without making a long-term financial commitment.
For Denver, however, the motivation extends beyond Johnson himself.
The Nuggets are preparing for restricted free agency negotiations with breakout forward Peyton Watson, who has drawn significant interest from teams around the league, including the Lakers and Bulls.
League insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer recently reported Denver has been signaling for months that it intends to match any offer sheet for Watson unless it approaches the $30 million per year range. Keeping Watson has become one of the organization’s biggest priorities.
Among Johnson’s reported suitors, the Lakers stand out for several reasons. Los Angeles has spent the offseason searching for players who complement Luka Doncic, and Johnson’s elite floor spacing would fit perfectly alongside Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James if he returns. His ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes and defend multiple positions addresses two of the Lakers’ biggest roster needs.
Boston, Miami, and the Clippers also value experienced wings capable of contributing immediately in deep playoff runs, while Orlando continues searching for additional shooting around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Denver now faces an important decision. Johnson remains a productive starter and one of the NBA’s most efficient perimeter shooters, but retaining Peyton Watson appears to be the franchise’s long-term priority.
If that means sacrificing Johnson to create financial flexibility, the Nuggets should have no shortage of interested trade partners ready to make an offer.
