One of the biggest moves of the 2025 offseason was the Denver Nuggets trading Michael Porter Jr.(MPJ) and a 2032 unprotected first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cam Johnson.

What makes this trade fascinating is that Brooklyn and Denver swapped nearly identical players. Both are three-point specialists who can hold their own defensively while doing little playmaking, a valuable player in today’s NBA.

A quick side by side:

Cam averaged roughly 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists on 48% shooting from the field (13.1 FGA), 39% from three (7.2 3PA), 40% on catch-and-shoot threes, and 38% on pull-ups (3.9 attempts).

MPJ averaged roughly 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists on 50% shooting (13.6 FGA), 40% from three (7.3 3PA), 42% on catch-and-shoot threes, and 39% on pull-ups (3.2 attempts).

You’d think there would be some advanced stats that separate them—or at least justify the unprotected first-round pick Denver gave up. But the numbers are nearly identical across the board. 

Their Points per Shot Attempt (127.8 vs. 124.5) and Effective Field Goal Percentages (58.4% vs. 60.2%) are close, with metrics like their Assisted Percentage [ASTD]  (71% vs. 81%) being similar—even though Cam didn’t play with a true number one option last season.

Still, this trade makes sense for both teams.

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DENVER

MPJ fit well in Denver’s system, as proven by their championship run in 2023. So why go after Cam? Simple, he brings the same floor-spacing value while fitting a proven playstyle. Yes, Denver loses some size and rebounding with Cam, but that’s a tradeoff that seems worth it.

MPJ’s shoulder made his playoff performances so inconsistent that he was borderline unplayable at times. Add the fact that he’s owed a net $46 million more than Cam over the next three years, and it becomes clear why MPJ was the odd man out of Denver. After two years of failing to even reach the Western Conference Finals, something had to change. 

Cam won’t have the same usage rate in Denver as he did in Brooklyn, which gives him a similar role to his thriving Phoenix days. Playing alongside Jokić —someone who draws attention both as a scorer and passer — will likely lead to Cam having a career year (if not statistically than visually).

As for the unprotected 2032 pick, Denver has had a strong front office who have been successful in the draft, free agency, and via the trade market over the years. When you’re contending, you trade what you foresee as a late first-round pick for a perfect complementary piece ten out of ten times. Especially when said player will save you a lot of tax money in years to come. 

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BROOKLYN

Brooklyn’s draft strategy clearly emphasized playmaking, as they took three guards and a big who functioned as a point forward in college. And when you add playmakers, you need elite shooters around them—which MPJ is.

The Nets have cap space and no long-term salary commitments, so they can afford to take on MPJ’s contract. In a less desirable free agency class by their standards, the Nets could’ve found value in acquiring a player they may not have landed on the open market.

What intrigues me most about MPJ in Brooklyn is the chance to see whether there’s more to his game than what we saw in Denver. He’s a 6’10” wing who can shoot, and before his back issues, was a projected top-5 pick in the 2018 draft. There’s a world where we see a more well-rounded offensive player in Brooklyn who visually and statistically impresses.

Because Brooklyn owns their own pick and are not expected to contend next season, they have the freedom to experiment with their young roster. I wouldn’t be surprised if MPJ posts career numbers on solid efficiency next year, which seems to be a trend in Brooklyn. I’m not saying he’ll be a future No. 1 option on a playoff team, but maybe there’s a world where he becomes a high-end No. 2—like a Jalen Williams,Franz Wagner, or Jaylen Brown.

Beyond the court, Brooklyn adds to their growing draft capital while gaining a veteran player with championship experience. At minimum, MPJ can be a solid player and locker room leader that helps build on the culture in Brooklyn.