Nuggets Reload Around Jokic With Johnson, Valanciunas to Ease Minutes

The Denver Nuggets entered the 2025 offseason intent on reloading around Nikola Jokic, making a string of moves that aim to shore up a thin bench and retool their starting lineup as the NBA prepares to open its 2025-26 season in October. Denver traded Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first round pick for Cameron Johnson, acquired center Jonas Valanciunas in a separate deal, and added veteran role players including Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., moves the team says are designed to reduce the heavy minutes load on its three-time MVP and keep the club competitive in a stacked Western Conference.

The trade for Johnson swapped Porter’s shooting and offensive upside for a more switchable wing and a lower salary, a financial decision Denver viewed as necessary to create room for the Valanciunas acquisition and other bench upgrades. Valanciunas, who arrived in Denver after a trade that sent Dario Saric to Sacramento, confirmed he will report to the Nuggets and expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside Jokic. The club also reunited with Bruce Brown on a one-year, minimum-salary deal and signed Hardaway to a veteran minimum contract, both additions intended to improve...