The Denver Nuggets have no plans to move forward Cam Johnson despite receiving calls from multiple teams about his availability, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
“Numerous teams have called the Denver Nuggets hoping they’d be willing to dump forward Cam Johnson, who’s owed $23.06 million in the final year of his contract, but those inquiries have been rebuffed,” Scotto reported on Wednesday.
Johnson joined Denver before the 2025-26 season and became part of the team’s effort to maintain a championship-level roster around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The 29-year-old forward started all 54 games he played during the regular season, averaging 12.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 30.5 minutes per game.
The veteran wing also provided one of Denver’s most valuable skills: perimeter shooting. Johnson shot 43.0% from three-point range on 4.7 attempts per game, helping him post a 59.6% effective field goal percentage. His shooting ability gives the Nuggets another floor-spacing option alongside Jokic, Murray and Aaron Gordon.
Denver’s decision to keep Johnson comes during a relatively quiet 2026 offseason. The Nuggets finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 54-28 record, earning the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, but their season ended in the first round when they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-2.
Rather than making major roster changes, Denver has prioritized continuity and financial flexibility. The Nuggets traded the No. 26 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 35 pick and two future second-round selections, eventually selecting Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins.
The team also made limited free-agent moves, signing Marvin Bagley III to a veteran minimum deal after Jonas Valanciunas departed and adding Alpha Diallo for forward depth. Denver retained backup point guard Tyus Jones while losing Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency.
Johnson’s $23.06 million expiring contract could have been attractive to teams looking for shooting while avoiding long-term salary commitments. However, Denver appears unwilling to sacrifice a proven rotation player as it attempts to remain competitive while navigating Jokic’s contract situation.
Jokic is eligible for a four-year extension worth approximately $278 million but has delayed signing it until next summer. The three-time MVP remains under contract for the 2026-27 season at $59 million, and Denver’s offseason approach suggests the franchise wants to preserve its core while keeping its championship window open.
The Nuggets also continue working through restricted free agency with Peyton Watson, who reportedly seeks a contract averaging more than $25 million annually after a breakout season. Maintaining Johnson’s salary and roster role could factor into Denver’s approach as it balances immediate contention with future flexibility.
Johnson has averaged 12.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists over his seven-year NBA career while shooting 39.6% from three-point range.
