According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, there is a growing belief around the league that the Denver Nuggets could part ways with either Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun as they look to manage their salary structure and create greater financial flexibility.
Bontemps noted that Denver has traditionally been cautious when it comes to spending, making it difficult for the franchise to keep every key contributor on its current payroll.
As a result, league executives reportedly expect one of Johnson or Braun to become a trade candidate in the near future.
Johnson is entering the final year of a contract worth $23 million, while Braun signed a five-year, $125 million extension last fall.
Moving either player could open up the cap space necessary for the Nuggets to work on a new deal for Peyton Watson, who is expected to command an annual salary in a similar range.
The Nuggets are expected to trade Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun, per @TimBontemps
“The Nuggets have never been big spenders, which is why the belief around the league is that Cameron Johnson (on an expiring $23 million deal) or Christian Braun (on a five-year, $125 million… pic.twitter.com/Zu8mxjsfbl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 29, 2026
