Cam Johnson exemplified professionalism and grace throughout his time with the Nets. He embraced his role without complaint, guided younger teammates, fulfilled veteran responsibilities amid trade rumors and let his stellar 2024-25 offensive season speak for itself.

When Johnson was traded to the Denver Nuggets in June for Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick, it marked a bittersweet moment for Nets fans. The trade underscored Brooklyn’s full commitment to a rebuild, prioritizing future draft assets and young talent over short-term success. The unprotected 2032 pick offers high upside, while Porter adds potent offensive firepower to a developing roster.

However, in trading Johnson, the Nets parted with a locker-room stabilizer whose off-the-court impact matched his on-court contributions. One could argue that Johnson’s two-way versatility, leadership and cost-effective contract outweighed the value of Porter and a distant pick, particularly for a franchise craving reliability.

“Obviously, we wish we could’ve been better,” Johnson said in a recent appearance on “The Young Man and the Three” podcast. “And I was willing to do everything in my power to get us back on a winning track. And I think they’ll get there eventually. I have faith in those guys in that building. I’ll miss them, and I appreciate them. I appreciate everything they did for myself and my career.”

Still, the trade can be seen as a win-win for player fit. Johnson, hardened by tough seasons in Brooklyn, joins a contender in Denver, playing alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and contributing key minutes, and Porter lands in Brooklyn with an opportunity to showcase he’s more than a third or fourth option.

“I averaged 21 [points] one year. Last year, I was around 18 as the third option,” Porter told reporters at Las Vegas Summer League. “I just feel like I have more in my tank still. I don’t feel like I’ve reached my peak, and I’m excited to grow my game, expand my game, explore my game, and see what I could do.”

Porter told reporters in Vegas that he learned of the trade mid-flight and, amusingly, took a nap right after, noting he doesn’t stress over such news. Raised in the Midwest, he consistently ranked New York among his least favorite NBA cities, so this next phase of his career will require a significant adjustment.

The 27-year-old, with $79.6 million owed over the final two years of his contract, joins a Nets roster needing scoring punch, particularly with Cam Thomas’ future uncertain. The 6-10 forward averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists across 77 games last season while shooting 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range.

“Mike brings positional size, rebounding, and a lot of scoring in different ways,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said on a recent ESPN broadcast. “Obviously, I had been with Mike in Denver for five of my six years, and it’s exciting to have him back. Using the word veteran, don’t forget that Mike is 27 years old and he’ll be the oldest guy on our roster. The next guy I think will be Nic Claxton at 25. So, that tells you how young we are and how much we can grow as a group. These guys are ready to work and compete.”

Porter’s championship pedigree adds veteran value to a young Nets roster, while his expiring contract provides strategic flexibility. If he stays healthy and grows under Fernández’s vision, he could accelerate Brooklyn’s rebuild while enhancing his trade value.

“He’s excited to be here, and I’m excited to reunite with him,” Fernandez told reporters in Vegas. “He’s going to be asked to do things that he’s never done before. Like probably his usage and the shots he’s going to take. And that’s exciting.”