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 keen to dump ahead Cam Johnson, who’s owed $23.06 million within the remaining yr 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 staff’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 throughout the common season, averaging 12.2 factors, 3.8 rebounds and a pair of.4 assists in 30.5 minutes per recreation.
The veteran wing additionally supplied considered one of Denver’s most dear expertise: perimeter taking pictures. Johnson shot 43.0% from three-point vary on 4.7 makes an attempt per recreation, serving to him publish a 59.6% efficient area aim share. His taking pictures potential offers the Nuggets one other floor-spacing possibility 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.
Slightly than making main roster adjustments, 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 picks, ultimately deciding on Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins.
The staff additionally made restricted free-agent strikes, signing Marvin Bagley III to a veteran minimum deal after Jonas Valanciunas departed and adding Alpha Diallo for ahead depth. Denver retained backup level guard Tyus Jones whereas losing Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency.
Johnson’s $23.06 million expiring contract might have been enticing to groups on the lookout for taking pictures 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 until next summer. The three-time MVP stays underneath contract for the 2026-27 season at $59 million, and Denver’s offseason strategy suggests the franchise desires to protect its core whereas preserving 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 might issue into Denver’s strategy because it balances quick competition with future flexibility.
Johnson has averaged 12.8 factors, 3.9 rebounds and a pair of.0 assists over his seven-year NBA profession whereas taking pictures 39.6% from three-point vary.
