Three trade proposals for Nuggets’ Cam Johnson

November 13, 2026

Trading one of your best shooters when you already need more shooting sounds like a strange place to start. But the Nuggets could eventually have a decision to make on Cam Johnson.

Johnson is averaging 12.1 points and shooting 43.2% from three, with a $23.1 million expiring contract. The Nuggets are 6-4, and finding enough help around Nikola Jokic remains the assignment.

Cameron Johnson, Nuggets, Stephen Curry, Warriors, NBA, Wizards — Imagn

With that in mind, Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World outlined three hypothetical Johnson trades, each bringing back two players. These are Leiva’s proposals, with no indication the teams are discussing these specific packages.

The question for Denver is whether additional depth would be worth losing a shooter who already fits alongside Jokic. Here’s a look at Leiva’s ideas and the decisions each would create.

Heat

Nuggets receive Nikola Jovic and Klay Thompson. Heat receive Johnson.

Leiva’s first proposal gives the Nuggets an established shooter and a younger forward they would need to develop.

Thompson is averaging 14.4 points and making 40.8% of his threes. Put him alongside Jokic, and it’s easy to picture the appeal. Thompson knows how to move without the ball, and Jokic knows how to find guys who do.

Jovic is the bigger question. The 23-year-old has struggled badly to start the season, and Leiva notes that his contract runs through 2029-30. Denver would be making a substantial commitment based on what it believes he can become.

For the Heat, Johnson would provide shooting alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo without requiring a steady diet of touches.

Our take? Thompson’s fit is appealing. But the Nuggets would need to believe in Jovic enough to take on the remaining years of his deal. That’s a significant part of the decision.

Mavericks

Nuggets receive Santi Aldama and Marcus Sasser. Mavericks receive Johnson.

Leiva’s second proposal gives Denver more size and another option in the backcourt.

Aldama averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists with the Grizzlies last season, shooting 35.0% from three. At 6-foot-11, he could offer minutes alongside Jokic and help cover the stretches when Jokic sits.

That last part is always worth considering in Denver. The Nuggets need enough offense to survive those minutes, and Aldama’s passing and scoring could give them more flexibility.

Sasser would add another guard capable of making shots, though neither player would directly replace Johnson’s shooting.

The Mavericks would get a veteran forward who could space the floor around Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving. Leiva identifies the obvious obstacle, however. Dallas just acquired Aldama during the offseason.

The Nuggets could see value in getting younger and deeper. The Mavericks would have to decide whether Johnson improves them enough to move on from Aldama so quickly.

Lakers

Nuggets receive Quentin Grimes and Jake LaRavia. Lakers receive Johnson.

Leiva considers this the best of his three proposals for Denver, pointing to the younger players, defensive help and salary savings.

Grimes could take on difficult perimeter assignments alongside Jamal Murray. His 24.2% shooting from three is a concern, though his previous seasons offer reason to expect improvement.

LaRavia would provide another forward who can rebound, move the ball and make open shots. He’s shooting 52.2% from deep, but on fewer than two attempts per game. Denver would have to account for that limited volume.

Johnson’s appeal to the Lakers is straightforward. Luka Doncic creates openings, and Johnson can capitalize on them.

Still, the Lakers are 11-2. Giving up two rotation players would require some confidence that Johnson raises their ceiling enough to justify thinning the bench.

For Denver, this proposal comes back to the same question as the others. How much depth would make losing Johnson worthwhile?

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