The Denver Nuggets are exploring multiple avenues to reshape their roster ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, including the possibility of packaging Cameron Johnson with the No. 26 overall pick in an effort to move up the draft board.
The Nuggets enter a pivotal offseason after a disappointing first-round playoff exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games despite another MVP-caliber season from Nikola Jokic. With the draft set for June 23 and 24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Denver is weighing options that could help balance its financial outlook while improving the roster around its franchise cornerstone.
According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Nuggets’ salary situation is a major factor driving their offseason discussions.
“As for the Nuggets, they are determined to cut salary heading into free agency in order to have the funds needed to keep Peyton Watson, a restricted free agent, as reported by ClutchPoints in May. Watson will have numerous suitors on the open market and is expected to see his price rise well above $25 million in annual average value from rival teams.”
Denver’s front office appears focused on creating flexibility to retain Watson while maintaining a competitive roster. That objective has reportedly led the organization to gauge interest in several veteran players.
“That is why the Nuggets have discussed Cam Johnson and Christian Braun with teams as viable trade candidates. Although more interest exists in Aaron Gordon, Denver has been hesitant to engage in conversations centered around the valued forward. Braun has generated no market whatsoever.”
Nuggets exploring draft-day trade scenarios involving Cam Johnson
Johnson, who arrived in Denver as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets, has emerged as the player most frequently mentioned in trade speculation. The veteran forward provides shooting and floor spacing, but his contract could make him a logical trade piece if the Nuggets seek additional flexibility.
Siegel reported that Denver has specifically examined whether Johnson and the No. 26 pick could help the team move into the top 20 of the draft.
“The Nuggets have been exploring what packaging Johnson with the 26th pick could get them, especially in terms of moving into the top 20 of the draft. It is hard to envision a scenario where any team in this region would want to trade their pick for Johnson and No. 26. Still, Johnson remains the likeliest player to be on the move from Denver in the coming weeks.”
Whether a trade materializes remains uncertain, but Denver’s willingness to explore such scenarios underscores the urgency surrounding a critical offseason and the organization’s desire to maximize its championship window around Jokic.
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