The Denver Nuggets look to get back to competing for the NBA championship next season, and their most exciting star has the experience to do that.

The Denver Nuggets have decided to turn things around after their recent struggles. Despite Nikola Jokic’s continued brilliance, the Nuggets haven’t been able to get back to the mountain top.

To improve their roster, the Nuggets landed Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas. It’s safe to say that the Nuggets were one of the biggest winners in free agency.

Later on in the summer, the Nuggets also landed Kessler Edwards, further solidifying their depth heading into the new season.

But undoubtedly, the biggest move was the Nuggets trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson, who is going to be their most exciting star next season.

Denver Nuggets basketball player, Cameron Johnson, center, holds his New Jersey during his introductory press conference at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, July 18, 2025. Jon Wallace, Nuggets' executive vice president of player personnel, left, and Ben Tenzer, right, Nuggets' executive vice president of basketball operations, join Johnson on stage.
Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post

Cam Johnson has the championship experience to help the Denver Nuggets

Cam Johnson first rose to prominence as a role player on the Phoenix Suns. When the 2020-21 Suns reached the NBA Finals, Johnson had a strong performance with the side.

Coming off the bench that campaign, Johnson averaged 9.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists – very strong numbers for a young player like him.

The following season, when Johnson got more opportunities with the Suns, his numbers improved, as he averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists off the bench.

But now, Johnson is ready to take a starting role after a brilliant campaign with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists as the first option.

Now, with Nikola Jokic as the primary ball handler, Johnson can be a lethal three-point shooter and perimeter defender for the Nuggets, two things Michael Porter Jr. had struggled to do since the 2023 championship win.

Several analysts high on Cam Johnson trade from Denver Nuggets perspective

The move to land Cam Johnson was praised by several NBA reporters and insiders. Bill Simmons called Johnson’s joining the Nuggets a miracle, given that he is the perfect player for them.

Zach Lowe said the Nuggets hit a home run by trading for Johnson, lauding the move by the Nuggets’ new front office.

Johnson could be the key to the Nuggets returning to the NBA Finals next season, as they finally have a player who can perform at the highest level.

And if Nikola Jokic keeps the same form or even improves on his form from the last few seasons, then it’s hard to see how any team will be able to keep up with the Nuggets.