The Denver Nuggets entered July with two restricted free agents, wing Peyton Watson and forward Spencer Jones, still unsigned and three roster spots open. With the clock ticking on the 2026 offseason, the front office must decide how to allocate those spots while preserving the core that carried the team to a 37-17 record through 54 starts.
Cameron Johnson sits at the center of that discussion. The 30-year-old forward is under a non-expiring contract worth $23.1 million for the 2026-27 season. His shooting efficiency, highlighted by a 43 percent three-point rate last season, combined with his ability to start and contribute consistently, makes his deal one of the most attractive on the market. Johnson’s contract flexibility and proven production position him as a prime candidate for any trade the Nuggets might pursue.
From a trade-value perspective, Johnson offers a blend of salary and on-court impact that appeals to teams looking to add veteran shooting without compromising cap space. Because his deal does not expire, any acquiring team gains a multi-year commitment at a reasonable price, while Denver retains the option to re-tool its roster without a looming large-scale salary dump. This balance of cost and performance aligns with the Nuggets’ need to fill the remaining roster holes while staying financially prudent.
Aaron Gordon presents a different, yet equally compelling, trade scenario. As a 30-year-old versatile role player, Gordon has been identified as the most likely candidate for a larger, blockbuster move. His reputation as a high-energy, two-way contributor who can stretch defenses and protect the rim adds a layer of strategic depth that could attract teams seeking to upgrade multiple positions in a single transaction. While the specifics of his contract were not disclosed, his status as a key piece in the Nuggets’ rotation makes him a valuable asset on any trade board.
The overarching challenge for Denver lies in balancing the desire to retain emerging talent like Watson and Jones with the need to manage salary flexibility. Moving Johnson, or, in a more ambitious scenario, Gordon, could free the necessary cap room to sign the restricted free agents and solidify the roster for the upcoming season. As the offseason progresses, the Nuggets’ decisions on these contracts will shape the composition of a team poised to defend its recent success.
