The Denver Nuggets don’t have any plans to maneuver ahead Cam Johnson regardless of receiving calls from a number of groups about his availability, in response to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“Quite a few groups have referred to as the Denver Nuggets hoping they’d be prepared to dump ahead Cam Johnson, who’s owed $23.06 million within the closing 12 months of his contract, however these inquiries have been rebuffed,” Scotto reported on Wednesday.
Johnson joined Denver earlier than the 2025-26 season and have become a part of the crew’s effort to keep up a championship-level roster round Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The 29-year-old ahead began all 54 video games he performed through the common season, averaging 12.2 factors, 3.8 rebounds and a couple of.4 assists in 30.5 minutes per sport.
The veteran wing additionally supplied one in every of Denver’s most beneficial abilities: perimeter capturing. Johnson shot 43.0% from three-point vary on 4.7 makes an attempt per sport, serving to him publish a 59.6% efficient subject objective share. His capturing capacity offers the Nuggets one other floor-spacing choice alongside Jokic, Murray and Aaron Gordon.
Denver’s choice to maintain Johnson comes throughout a comparatively quiet 2026 offseason. The Nuggets completed the 2025-26 common season with a 54-28 document, incomes the No. 3 seed within the Western Convention, however their season ended within the first spherical after they misplaced to the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-2.
Fairly than making main roster modifications, Denver has prioritized continuity and monetary flexibility. The Nuggets traded the No. 26 total choose within the 2026 NBA Draft to the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 35 choose and two future second-round alternatives, ultimately choosing Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins.
The crew additionally made restricted free-agent strikes, signing Marvin Bagley III to a veteran minimal deal after Jonas Valanciunas departed and including Alpha Diallo for ahead depth. Denver retained backup level guard Tyus Jones whereas shedding Tim Hardaway Jr. in free company.
Johnson’s $23.06 million expiring contract may have been engaging to groups on the lookout for capturing whereas avoiding long-term wage commitments. Nonetheless, Denver seems unwilling to sacrifice a confirmed rotation participant because it makes an attempt to stay aggressive whereas navigating Jokic’s contract state of affairs.
Jokic is eligible for a four-year extension value roughly $278 million however has delayed signing it till subsequent summer season. The three-time MVP stays below contract for the 2026-27 season at $59 million, and Denver’s offseason strategy suggests the franchise desires to protect its core whereas protecting its championship window open.
The Nuggets additionally proceed working via restricted free company with Peyton Watson, who reportedly seeks a contract averaging greater than $25 million yearly after a breakout season. Sustaining Johnson’s wage and roster function may issue into Denver’s strategy because it balances quick competition with future flexibility.
Johnson has averaged 12.8 factors, 3.9 rebounds and a couple of.0 assists over his seven-year NBA profession whereas capturing 39.6% from three-point vary.
